Man's robbery plot is a gem

MILLCREEK — A would-be thief learned the hard way over the weekend that some businesses aren't exactly as they appear.

Two men working an overnight shift at Black Diamond Equipment, 2084 E. 3900 South, were surprised to find another man walking through their business about 3 a.m. Saturday, said Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Don Hutson.

Hutson said the man produced an ice pick and told the employees, "Give me your precious metals and the money."

It took a moment, but the employees quickly realized the man had walked into Black Diamond expecting to find real diamonds and other expensive gems.

When the employees explained that their store, which sells rock-climbing and recreation gear, did not have any of those items, the man then demanded "anything of value," Hutson said.

The man took several computers, hooks used by climbers and other random items that he apparently thought might have value. The Polynesian man was between 20 and 30 years old and about 6 feet 3 inches tall, with a shaved head and a heavily tattooed right arm, Hutson said. He was last seen wearing khaki pants and a red shirt.

Anyone with information can call the sheriff's office at 801-743-7000.