Bradenton Police Arrest Suspect in $9,000 Jewelry Theft at Kay Jewelers

BRADENTON – A man who walked out of a Kay Jewelers wearing a $9,000 gold chain on September 28 didn’t get far before police caught up with him.

According to the Bradenton Police Department, the suspect, identified as Christopher Dimastrantonio, asked to try on the gold chain at the jewelry store before telling employees, “You should call the cops,” and leaving with it. Employees immediately contacted law enforcement.

Detectives were able to identify Dimastrantonio after tracing the vehicle he used to flee the scene. He was later arrested and charged with grand theft.

Police say Dimastrantonio has a prior history of robbery in his home state of Maine. This time, he received a different kind of jewelry—handcuffs—courtesy of the Bradenton Police Department.