Police: Man who robbed Security Jewelers wanted to see most expensive watches

Jaquay Mckay Hassell

(St. Louis County Jail)

DULUTH, Min. – Duluth Police say on January 13, 2026 Jaquay Mckay Hassell, 24, robbed Security Jewelers.

Charging documents say just before 10am Hassell walked into Security Jewelers on Superior Street in Duluth.

A clerk said Hassell asked to use the restroom.  When he left the restroom, he asked to see the most expensive watches.

Hassell then looked at an Omega watch and asked what was the price.

The clerk said they asked for the watch back to look at the price tag.

Hassell allegedly refused to give the watch back.  He the allegedly put his hand in his pocket and said he had a pistol.

He then left the store with the watch.

The watch is reportedly worth $8,650.

Duluth Police say they were able to track down Hassell using city owned surveillance camera.

Once arrested, police searched Hassell and found the watch hidden “near” his scrotum.

In an interview with police Hassell allegedly said he was visiting Duluth from North Carolina.  He said he had been drinking vodka and using heroin the day of the robbery.  He says he could not remember anything that happened and denied knowing anything about the watch.

He’s charged with felony aggravated robbery.  It carries a maximum sentence of 15-years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

Court record say Hassell was convicted of a 2019 robbery “with a dangerous weapon.”

He made his first appearance in court on January 15, 2026.  He is slated to be back in court on February 10, 2026.