The driver tried to escape by driving on the sidewalk and speeding past a group of people hanging out in front of Pergola restaurant. The group took cover in the restaurant as the car narrowly missed them.

Meanwhile, police officers fired several rounds through the BMW’s front windshield to try and stop the driver.

The suspects led police on a chase for about a block before ditching their car, which was full of bullet holes by that time, on Fifth Avenue. Police took one suspect into custody, but the other ran off. A police helicopter was brought in to search the area.

Police said the suspects were behind at least a dozen high-end robberies, allegedly holding patrons leaving elite restaurants and clubs at gunpoint.

“They said this has been going on for quite a while,” Taylor said.

Authorities said the suspects stole jewelry worth more than $4 million from two people leaving Tao Downtown in August. A few days later, they allegedly stole $100,000 worth of jewelry from a man leaving Pergola. They were trying to strike there again Monday, police said.

“You’re not safe anymore… unfortunately. I feel bad about it,” said Max Cabral.
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