Two jewelry heist suspects arrested by police Sunday (photos courtesy of SMPD)

“The suspects stole an undetermined amount of jewelry after smashing several display cases with a sledgehammer,” police officials said.

Police officials learned that the three suspects had been African Americans and had been armed with at least one handgun when they allegedly committed a “takeover style” robbery, officials said.

The owner was present but was not hurt.

“Within minutes of receiving the radio call, officers located the suspects driving in the area of Centinela and Delaware,” officials said. “Prior to officers conducting a felony traffic stop, the suspects abandoned the vehicle in the 3300 block of Centinela and fled in different directions on foot.”

Authorities set up two perimeters and searched for the suspects for several hours until, at around 6:30 p.m., officers found the first suspect in a garage on Centinela. They found the second suspect about an hour later, authorities said.

“Several leads relating to the third suspect are being pursued at this time,” officials said. “Investigators recovered evidence taken from Tala Jewelry and a handgun believed to have been used in the crime.”

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information regarding the robbery is asked to contact Detective Dan Larios at (310) 458-8937; Sergeant Ira Rutan at (310) 458-8959 or the Santa Monica Police Department at (24 hours) at (310) 458-8495.

Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTip at 1-80078-CRIME (1-800-78-27463) or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com.

Anonymous tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers by either calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting their website at www.lacrimestoppers.org.