2 in custody after brazen daylight robbery at NYC Cartier store

NEW YORK (AP) - Two suspects are in custody following a brazen broad-daylight robbery at the Cartier store in midtown Manhattan.

Police said Friday that 35-year-old Allen Williams and 33-year-old Roberto Grant, both of Brooklyn, were arrested on robbery charges. It wasn't clear if they had lawyers.

Five suspects with hammers entered the store at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street at about 12:30 p.m. Thursday and smashed open a glass display case. Police said they made off with 16 watches worth more than $700,000.

Police Commissioner William Bratton says some of the stolen property has since been recovered.

Police believe the bandits were involved in other similar robberies.

The heist occurred as football fans were flocking to midtown Manhattan for festivities related to the Super Bowl in New Jersey on Sunday.