West Ashley Jewelry Store Robbery Suspect Denied Bond Following Terrifying Incident

West Ashley Jewelry Store Robbery: Suspect Denied Bond

In West Ashley, a calm yet chilling scene unfolded at Skatell’s Manufacturing Jewelers, a local jewelry store, that left employees shaken to their core. On December 3, 2024, the normally peaceful atmosphere was shattered when a man walked in with a gun and created a terrifying situation. Subsequently, on December 4, the suspect, James Dexter King, faced a bond hearing where emotions ran high as victims shared their harrowing experience.

What Happened on That Fateful Morning

The morning of the robbery began like any other for the employees at Skatell’s, located right off Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. This busy area, complete with a nearby mall, bustled with activity until a man, dressed in dark clothing and a blue surgical mask, entered the store. Witnesses report that he was completely calm as he brandished a black firearm and ordered everyone to the back of the store. One employee recalled, “He made us zip tie each other.”

Feeling unsafe, the employees were forced into the back office, where the intruder then proceeded to pull out a bag filled with zip ties. The situation grew more terrifying as he ordered them to restrain one another while he ransacked the showroom for valuables. The robber demanded the store manager open jewelry cases, where he snatched diamonds and gold bracelets, all while leading one employee around at gunpoint.

The Dramatic Pursuit

After loading his bag with stolen goods and cash from the register, the suspect fled in a gold sedan. Quick action from local law enforcement quickly turned into a high-speed chase. King was later tracked down, but not before reaching speeds over 100 mph before realizing he was cornered. A police dog intervened to put an end to his escape. Thankfully, all employees who were there during the robbery returned home safe that day, but the experience left them feeling deeply unsettled.

A Courtroom Testimony

At King’s bond hearing, several victims bravely shared their experiences. One employee expressed how threatened she felt during the ordeal, stating, “He was so calm during the whole thing. Most (people) aren’t that calm during their first crime.” Another highlighted the emotional toll the incident took on them, saying frankly, “I don’t feel safe.”

Despite King’s attorney’s claims that he was a low risk to the community, Charleston County Magistrate Judge Amanda Haselden firmly denied bond, stating, “There is not any bond I can set that ensures the safety of the community.” As of now, King, 52, remains at the Al Canon Detention Center, awaiting his next court appearance.

Connections to Other Crimes

As detectives delve deeper into King’s past, they’ve uncovered links between him and an earlier robbery. It seems King is also tied to a November heist at a coin laundry where not only was cash taken, but an employee was assaulted as well. His lengthy criminal history, dating back to the early 1990s in North Carolina, includes serious offences like robbery with a dangerous weapon and kidnapping. His past raises serious concerns regarding public safety.

As the investigation continues, King’s grim record and this latest terrifying event serve as a sobering reminder of the darker side of crime lurking in our communities. With the recent events at Skatell’s highlighting the need for safety, citizens and local businesses are left wondering what measures can be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

What’s Next?

For now, the victims of the robbery find themselves banding together, looking out for one another as they navigate the emotional fallout of this frightening experience. The local community hopes for justice while seeking reassurance that safety measures are in place to protect them from future threats. Keep an eye on this story as developments unfold in the coming days.