FBI offering $25K reward for information on I-95 gold heist

Two security guards were traveling from Miami to Massachusetts on the evening of March 1 when, they told authorities, they were robbed of $4.9 million in gold near mile marker 144.

The FBI said in a news release Wednesday that two men armed with guns and identifying themselves as "policia" approached the guards, placed traffic cones near the truck, restrained the driver and passenger and led them into some nearby woods before taking off with 275 pounds of gold bars in a white van.

Several motorists called 911 after seeing the uniformed men running into the highway with their hands bound, motioning for help.

"Given the gold shipment originated in South Florida, investigators believe that the robbers may have a South Florida nexus," the FBI said.

Anyone with information that can help investigators identify the men can call the FBI at 754-703-2000.

Miami-based Transvalue Inc., which specializes in transporting cash, precious metals, gems and jewelry, is also offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Authorities have said they are investigating all angles of the case.

Earlier on March 1, the guards had stopped for gas in Dillon, S.C, near the North Carolina line. As they kept driving, one of them started to feel sick and said he smelled gas, authorities said. A warrant in the case says they pulled over so the man could vomit.

The guards got out of the tractor-trailer without their guns, according to authorities, who said it was a company security violation to leave the truck without their weapons.

The robbers cut a padlock, investigators said, but there were no other security measures to stop them.

After deputies arrived, a mechanic found no problems with the truck.