Boaz jewelry store fire becomes theft investigation - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

A Boaz jewelry store fire has turned into a theft investigation.

The alleged theft happened before the fire but was discovered afterward.

After the fire to Boaz Jewelry and Gifts on June 27, owner Millard Arrington went to salvage what he could from his store.

Boaz Police said he found where someone had broken the lock from the door and stolen $115,000 in diamonds, gold, and other jewelry.

Police are now questioning if the fire could have been to cover up the theft.

Arrington said he was trying to sell what was left in order to retire.

He said there was no insurance on the business.

Some of the items stolen include some prized gold coins.

"I had five $20 gold pieces that my mother and daddy bought right around 1900, and they told me all the years said, 'You keep this and you won't be broke,'" said Arrington.

Boaz Fire Chief Mike Sparks said the cause of the blaze is undetermined.

If you have any information about this crime, you are asked to contact Boaz Police.

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