By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — The NYPD has arrested a man wanted in connection with a deadly jewelry heist on the Upper East Side, police said Friday.
Edmond Alma, 46, was questioned by police Wednesday after they found dozens of stolen items in his home from the Jan. 27 jewelry heist at the R.S. Durant jewelry store, according to the New York Times.
“This arrest is a major break, a major advance in the investigation,” NYPD chief spokesman Paul J. Browne told the paper.
Alma was arraigned Friday on charges of criminally holding stolen property. Police found 40 of the 63 stolen pieces in Alma's home, including rings, necklaces, earrings and charms studded with diamonds, the Times reported.
Jewler Henry Menahem, 71, was shot and killed during the noon-time robbery at the Madison Avenue store after he failed to quickly turn over merchandise. Police found bullets and a bullet-resistant vest in Alma's apartment, but he has not been charged with the shooting, according to the Times.
Police estimated the total worth of the valuables from the heist at $1.2 million. A faberge-style egg was dropped in a streetside trash can just blocks away from the scene of the crime and recovered by police shortly after the robbery.
A manhunt for a man wearing a wool hat, glasses and mask followed the robbery. The NYPD enlisted the help of the FBI in tracking down places where the thief may have fenced the jewelry.
Alma is being held without bail.
