The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Department is reporting the discovery of a suitcase that was among those taken in last week’s diamond heist near Eyota.

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It was spotted Friday afternoon north of Chatfield, near the intersection of Highway 52 and Olmsted County Road 7.

Department Captain Scott Behrns says it will be checked for any evidence that may help solve the crime, which happened in the early morning hours of December 8th at the Marion Rest Stop along I-90.

The owner of an Iowa diamond and  precious metals business and six employees were heading home from a trade show in Chicago. They decided to make a quick stop at the rest area and while the owner and four employees went inside, two workers stayed in the van. Moments later, a vehicle pulled up and four men got out, smashed some of the van’s windows, grabbed three suitcases containing the diamonds and jewelry and fled. Their abandoned van was later located along I-90 about a mile away.

The 67 year old owner of the business - known as Direct Diamond Importers of Iowa - has released a statement for the first time, saying - “  We have exhibited at this show many times before.This was a planned attack. We are assessing the amount of inventory taken, and likely won’t know the extent of the loss for some time. “

The initial estimate was a minimum of $500,000.

Behrns says anyone who would like to report suspicious activity that they may feel is related to this robbery, to contact the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office through its Crimestoppers website -

http://www.rochesterolmstedcrimestoppers.org/ or by calling 1.800.222.TIPS (8477).

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