Shots were exchanged between the owner of a jewelry store on Dr. Phillips Boulevard in Orlando and two masked gunmen, in an attempted robbery around noon on Monday.
Deputies said that investigators responded to Cisneros Jewelers at 7512 Dr. Phillips Boulevard around 11:48 am on Monday and were advised by 71-year-old business owner, Carlos Cisneros, two gunmen attempted to rob the store. Cisneros told detectives that the two men entered the store, covering their faces with bandanas. Fearing that he was going to be robbed, Cisneros reached for his own firearm, but before he could do so, one of the suspects opened fire. Cisneros said he returned fire at his assailant, possibly striking him.
The suspects fled the store without being able to remove any merchandise or take any cash. In the exchange of gunfire, a store window and a display case were shattered. Cisneros was not injured in the exchange.
It is believed that the gunmen left the scene in an unknown vehicle.
Detectives have alerted all area hospitals, as one of the suspects might be injured. The suspects are described in their late teens, early 20s.
Dr. Phillips Elementary School was locked down for about 30 minutes, from 12:00 noon, as deputies searched the area extensively, without success.
The gunmen remain at large.
Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call CrimeLine at #1-800-423-TIPS. Callers could remain anonymous and maybe eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
