DIAMOND SWITCH – TACOMA, WA

On 8/15/21, at approximately 2:30 p.m., a female subject entered a jewelry store and expressed interest in trading her current ring.  The subject requested to see a particular ring, at which point the associate removed the ring from the showcase and the subject placed the ring on her finger.  Once on her finger, she appeared to scratch her neck, then handed the ring back to the associate.  Once the ring was placed back into the showcase, the subject browsed a couple of other rings.  She did not feel comfortable with the first exchange and went to get a manager’s attention.  At that time, the subject stated she should be going to a department store and would be back.  Once management was involved, it was determined the solitaire had been swapped out by the subject.  Mall security and the Tacoma Police Department were contacted.  There were no injuries to associates or customers.  This subject has committed previous diamond switches at jewelry stores in Auburn, WA on 7/7/21, and Puyallup, WA on 7/12/21. The subject was described as White. She is 5’9″ and in her mid 30’s. She is heavy-set and wore a red plaid shirt/jacket, a black tank top, dark pants, and she had a bridge-style piercing on her nose.