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Attempted Rolex robber captured; Jeweler expresses gratitude

Posted at 7:18 PM, Sep 04, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-04 21:55:31-04

KENT COUNTY, Mich. -- Nathaniel Pembrook, 42, is one of four men suspected of two jewelry store heists.

Federal records indicate that Pembrook is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He's been indicted on robbery charges in federal court.

An arrest affidavit indicates that four men attempted to rob Medawar Jewelers in Plainfield Township on April 22, 2014. They didn't get away with anything.

Later that day, three of the men are accused of robbing Tappers in West Bloomfield. Police said they got away with 130 Rolex watches. That's 1.4 million dollars worth.

"I'm glad that they caught him, not for vengeance sake. But I hope, this is my true hope, that when he's in prison, he will have time to rethink and change his life," Dan Medawar, the jeweler said.

Police said Pembrook carried a 9 mm handgun. He was shot when he entered a back room in Medawar. An employee had shot him in the right arm. Police said Pembrook left a trail of blood.

Michigan State Police tested the blood in Grand Rapids. The blood was run through a database, and it led them to Pembrook.

According to the arrest affidavit, Pembrook showed up at a Philadelphia hospital the day after the robbery and claimed he was shot outside of a bar. Police said the bar didn't exist.

The FBI said Pembrook has three previous felony convictions including robbery, theft, and illegal firearm possession.

Medawar said, "I really appreciate the work that the police department and FBI and everybody involved has done. I think they did a fantastic job."

Three other suspects  are still at large. Call Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 if you have any information.