GALVESTON – Galveston police said they foiled a suspected jewelry thief’s getaway on Monday. Steven Cooley, 41, is charged with robbing a jewelry store, and after trying to escape custody while in jail, is facing another charge of attempted escape while arrested.
Police said an alarm was activated at Fullen Jewelry in the 2200 block of Postoffice St.
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Officers said they found the front glass shattered and the shop ransacked.
After speaking to witnesses, investigators said the officers started to look for the suspected thief’s vehicle.
An officer found a car that matched the description of the getaway vehicle at 57th & Avenue J.
When an officer pulled Cooley over, he saw there were cuts all over his arms and hands, investigators said.
Officers said they searched Cooley’s vehicle found a backpack containing a large amount of jewelry with price tags still attached.
Cooley admitted during an interview with police that he broke into the store, according to investigators.
Cooley is charged with Burglary of a Building with a bond set at $10,000. He is also facing charges of possession of a controlled substance, police said.
The stolen jewelry was returned to the store.
While in the booking area of the Galveston Sheriff’s Office, police said Cooley removed ceiling tiles from the drop ceiling.
Cooley was not aware that the reinforced concrete wall extended to the roof of the building, and was unable to gain access out of that area, police said.