Five nabbed in downtown Arlington Heights heist

A jewelry salesman was attacked and robbed in his car in downtown Arlington Heights on Wednesday, and five people have been arrested in connection with the theft, authorities say.

The victim had just left a jewelry store on the first block of South Evergreen Avenue and was getting into his car in a small lot across the street when two people smashed two of his car's windows, Arlington Heights police Cmdr. Kenneth Galinski said.

The man was carrying a variety of jewelry including bracelets and rings, Galinski said. He declined to say how much the items were worth but did say it was "a large amount."

Two people smashed the car's windshield and passenger's-side window to get the items. Three other people were waiting in a getaway car.

The salesman did not give up the jewelry easily.

After he was robbed, he jumped out of his car in an attempt to get the jewelry back, but forgot his car was still in gear. When police arrived, they found the car had backed over the sidewalk and knocked down a light pole, Galinski said.

"It was unbelievable, considering he just missed three other cars," he said.

A car with five people inside was pulled over at Northwest Highway and Pine Street, Galinski said. During questioning, the five admitted they targeted the victim after seeing him get into his car after exiting a jewelry store with a bag of merchandise, police said.

The five people arrested were Ana Yolima Sanchez, 28, of Miami, and Ricardo Montaivan, 24, Eliu A. Alverio, 42, Vanessa Ortiz , 19, and Jhoana Rancan, 35, all of Chicago.

They each were charged with vehicular invasion and obstruction of justice. They're scheduled to appear at the Rolling Meadows courthouse today.