Englewood jewelry store thief who escaped through sewer system surrenders in Florida

ENGLEWOOD (WABC) -- A man who robbed a jewelry store in New Jersey back in April and then escaped through a sewer system has surrendered to police in Florida, authorities said Friday.

Officials say fugitive Barris Simpson, of Englewood, walked into the lobby of the Cocoa Police Department in Florida Thursday and told the desk officer he was wanted in New Jersey and that he was tired of running. The Cocoa officers confirmed his arrest warrant through the National Crime Information Center, and he was taken into custody.

Simpson has been wanted since April 25 for first degree armed robbery of the B&M Jewelry store on Tenafly Road in Englewood.

Police say Simpson posed as a shopper checking out merchandise at the store before taking out a wrench and smashing the displays, grabbing two cases of rings.

After the store's owner electronically locked the door from behind protective glass, he smashed the glass, cutting himself in the process. Officers chased him into the sewer system a few blocks away, but he escaped in the below-ground maze.

Simpson was transferred to the Brevard County jail, where he is awaiting extradition back to New Jersey. When he arrives, he will be held on a $250,000 bail.

His case has already been referred to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office for further disposition.

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