Employees at West Ashley jewelry store were restrained with zip ties during robbery, police say

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Authorities arrested an individual accused of robbing a West Ashley jewelry store.

Officers with the Charleston Police Department responded to Skatell’s Manufacturing Jewelers off Orleans Road around 10:30 a.m. following a reported robbery.

Store employees told officers that an individual entered the store, pulled out a firearm, and stole several pieces of jewelry. The employees were restrained with zip ties during the robbery.

The suspect’s vehicle was spotted in North Charleston shortly after 1 p.m., and the individual was arrested after a vehicle pursuit that involved the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and North Charleston Police Department.

James Dexter King, 52, of Charleston was charged with armed robbery and four counts of kidnapping.

Police said that during the investigation it was determined that King was involved in an armed robbery last month at the Pierpoint Coin Laundry on Ashley River Road. He is accused of stealing money in that case and assaulting an individual inside the business.

“As a result of this incident, King is also charged with armed robbery, kidnapping, and assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct,” police said.

The investigation remains active and police ask that anyone with information contact the Charleston Police Department by calling 843-720-2422 and request to speak with the on-duty detective.