Suspect, 22, Arrested in Zales Heist at Grossmont Center

A 22-year-old man is being held on $100,000 bail after his arrest Monday on suspicion of robbing Zales Jewelers in Grossmont Center two weeks ago, authorities said.

Detectives arrested Derek Jacob Patterson on Monday morning at a motel in the 7600 block of Alvarado Road, according to police.   

About 7:30 p.m. June 14, Patterson allegedly entered the Zales inside Grossmont Center, posing as a customer for nearly an hour before pulling a handgun, ordering workers to the ground and stealing 19 rings from a display case, said police Sgt. Angela DeSarro.

The total value of the stolen jewelry was estimated at nearly $77,000, DeSarro said.   

Patterson was booked into County Jail and was being held on $100,000 bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at El Cajon Superior Court.   

DeSarro declined to disclose what led investigators to identify Patterson as the suspect in the case.

Zales witnesses said at the time of the crime that the robber was a white male 23-26 years old, 6 feet 0 to 6-2, weighing 150-160 pounds.

According to his booking information, the suspect is 6 feet tall and 155 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair.

City News Service contributed to this report.