NORTHEAST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida man is telling his story after he said he was robbed at an ATM by someone dressed up in a creepy clown costume.
Yosef Hellinger said he was well-aware of recent warnings of people in creepy clown costumes plaguing the country. “I already knew like, ‘Oh, damn, it’s happening to me,’ Hellinger said.
Hellinger said at around 10 p.m., he was at a Chase Bank drive-thru ATM, off Northeast 164th Street and 12th Avenue in Northeast Miami-Dade when he was robbed by two people, one dressed as a clown. “These two guys just came up behind my car, one on each side, and one was wearing a clown mask,” Hellinger said.
Hellinger said he did not resist. “I told him, ‘Right now, I only have 80 bucks in my account.’ I was about to put in a check,” he said, and he’s like, ‘Take out whatever you got,’ I take out 80 bucks and show him even the receipt saying, oh, it was only $85 before, and as he’s taking it, he’s getting nervous because there’s building up behind me for the ATM.”
Hellinger said he has a concealed weapons permit, and he was carrying a gun, but he was out-numbered. However, he said, he is relieved that he is OK.
“On one hand, I feel luck that nothing happened to me, and I didn’t do it. On the other hand, they should feel lucky that nothing happened to them either, cause that little $40 could have turned into a lot more than that,” he said.
The two subjects split the cash. However, they were eventually caught. Police have not yet released their names.
Hellinger is relieved that the clown is in custody.
“I don’t see why you have to go out there — two boys have to go out there and mug somebody for $80, split it between the two of them, it’s 40 bucks each. I don’t see why do it, just go out and get a job,” Hellinger said.
According to police, shortly before this incident, a TD bank across the street was also robbed and authorities are looking to see if the two suspects are involved in that robbery, as well.
If you have any information on this robbery, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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