ARLINGTON, Va. -
According to family members, Tommy Wong was trying to live the American dream. Born in Hong Kong, the naturalized American citizen had worked for years for other retailers and jewelers as a watch repairman.
"I recall him working until like 3:00 a.m. sometimes -- almost every day," recalled Desmond Wong, Tommy's son.
Six or seven years ago, say family members, Tommy Wong opened his own store: Capital Jewelers on busy Columbia Pike in Arlington. Police believe the 52-year-old man was murdered in his store Friday around 4:00 p.m. The motive: robbery.
Security images show a man wearing a brightly colored safety vest entering the store around the time of the murder. He is the suspect. A source familiar with the investigation says the security video did capture the murder of Tommy Wong. So far, police have not revealed the cause of death. Employees at a restaurant next door said they heard nothing out of the ordinary on Friday afternoon.
Mr. Wong was security-conscious. Customer Liana Cuffman said the jeweler would "buzz" patrons into the store through a set of locked double doors.
Police describe their suspect -- who was wearing the safety vest on Friday -- as a black male, in his 50's, approximately 5' 7" in height, with a medium build.
Family members hope the security pictures released by police lead to an arrest.
Son Desmond Wong, between sobs, told us: "I just hope they find him and.... bring him to justice. You know, [the assailant] could have taken what he needed from my family, and left my father alone. I just wish that was the case. I'd give everything in the world to have him [back]."
A spokesman for Arlington Police says investigators have gotten some tips from the photos released from the security cameras, but they are seeking more information from the public.
Anyone who can identify the suspect is asked to contact Arlington P.D. Detective Richard Conigliaro at 703.228.4193 or investigations@arlingtonva.us.
Tommy Wong
Security Images
Security Images
Security Images
