Parents leave son, 4, behind after diamond heist

Police have arrested two people accused of robbing a South Street jewelry store this weekend, then leaving behind their 4-year-old son in their bid to escape.

John Benson, 47, and Sheakia Stubbs, 31, were arrested thir morning after midnight at the Hub Motel at 7605 Roosevelt Boulevard.

Police said the couple entered the Platinum Ice and Jewelry Store at 621 South Street Saturday afternoon with their 4-year-old son in tow. They asked to look at ladies' rings.

Capt. Laurence Nodiff, commander of South Detectives, said taking the boy made the couple appear like legitimate shoppers.

"I think it's unbelievable that you'd take a child with you to committ a crime," he said.

While shopping, the couple created a diversion and Benson grabbed a tray of 15 rings, worth $50,000, from behind the counter, police said.

The store owner and an employee gave chase and Stubbs split off from Benson, who remained with their son.

After an argument, Benson slashed the store owner's neck and face, police said, then ran off, leaving the boy behind.

The store employee and the owner, who required ten stitches to close his wound, called police and watched over the boy, who since has been placed into the care of the city's Department of Human Service.

The rings have not been recovered, and police are asking any who might have bought jewelry from the couple to contact police.

Anyone who bought jewelry from the suspects will not face charges, Nodiff said.

Benson and Stubbs face attempted murder, conspiracy, robbery, theft and numerous other charges.