Story highlights
Two robbers entered the Cartier jewelry store near the Champs Elysees in Paris
Police say they were fired upon as the robbers exited the prestigious store
Police chased them to a hair salon, where they took refuge but eventually surrendered
A jewelry heist on one the world’s most prestigious jewelry stores has been foiled, and both would-be thieves are in police custody after an attempted escape amidst a flurry of security forces, according to police, eyewitnesses and French media.
Two robbers entered the landmark Cartier jewelry store located near the Champs Elysees in Paris on Tuesday evening, according to police spokesman Luc Poignant speaking to CNN affiliate BFMTV.
While exiting the jewelry store, the thieves fired on police forces, says Poignant, who returned fire on the pair of robbers.
A police chase ensued after the pair of robbers jumped on a scooter and left the scene, followed by police.
The two robbers then holed up in a nearby hair salon, where a local shop owner tells BFM that a hostage was taken.
The suspects surrendered late Tuesday, walking out of the salon with their hands in the air, according to an eye-witness speaking to BFM TV.
It remains unclear if any jewelry was actually taken from the Cartier store.
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