JACKSON HEIGHTS — Armed robbers forced their way into a 74th Street jewelry store Tuesday evening, prompting the shutdown of the busy street based on an initial report of hostages.
A group of three to four robbers entered Kunal Jewelers, at 37-08 74th St., just after 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to the NYPD.
A miscommunication between a 911 caller and dispatch led police to believe it was a hostage situation, according to an NYPD source, triggering a lockdown of the busy commercial street.
Once Emergency Service Unit officers entered the store, they found only two employees in the back, according to the NYPD.
The suspects had fled earlier, but it's not clear if they made off with any cash or jewelry.
The incident is still under investigation, police said.
