A Stock Island man suspected of robbing a jewelry store at gunpoint Monday was captured four hours later at his house, where detectives had little trouble recovering the alleged gun and missing goods, police said.

The Zales jewelry store robbery set off a manhunt at 3 p.m. that ended when Key West police and Monroe County sheriff's deputies surrounded the home of Felix Morris Palacios at 838 10th Ave. around 7 p.m., police Lt. David Black said.

Palacios, 36, reportedly was standing in his front yard as police were setting up a perimeter and the Sheriff's Office SWAT team was en route.

"SWAT was called because he was armed, but it was getting dark, so the decision was made to just take him there in the yard," Black said.

A loaded handgun and some of the stolen jewelry was close by, Black said.

"The Springfield .45 (caliber) was fully loaded and had a round in the chamber; it was sitting right there on the outside steps," Black said. "It was next to about an ounce of cocaine. The suspect was wearing one of the stolen watches and two other men were wearing them too."

Detectives recovered three watches and two diamond rings collectively worth about $8,000, as well as the handgun, a shotgun in the house and the cocaine.

Palacios was charged with armed robbery and could face more charges, Black said.

It was unclear if the other two men wearing the other two watches would face any charges as of Monday night.

Palacios allegedly walked into the jewelry store in the Overseas Market on North Roosevelt Boulevard, displayed the gun, pulled the hammer back and demanded two employees there turn over the items, Black said.

Neither employee was hurt. Palacios then left the scene on foot, Black said.

One of the officers to arrive, Kevin O'Connell, had dealt with Palacios in the past and suggested that detectives interview him, Black said.

"Kevin recognized the suspect that the clerk was describing," Black said.

Palacios has tattoos on his neck and was wearing large, hooped earrings at the time, according to the store clerk's description. That clerk later identified Palacios as the man who robbed the store, Black said.

Palacios is on felony probation and has a range of convictions including obstructing justice, fleeing police, cocaine possession, resisting arrest and multiple probation violations.

"Because he's a convicted felon, he's going to be charged (at the) state (level) and federally for the .45 (handgun) and the shotgun," Black said. "The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) has already been called."

Police were still interviewing Palacios Monday night.

Black credited O'Connell and the Sheriff's Office, which knew where Palacios lived, with finding him.

"They both led us to him," Black said.

alinhardt@keysnews.com