DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A pair of robbers have struck twice in Deerfield Beach, and police are using new surveillance footage to help catch the duo.
According to police, the robbers were together on July 11 at a Family Dollar, located at 2901 W Oakland Park Blvd. The two unknown men dressed in black walked into the store around closing time and demanded cash. One of them held a gun to the cashier while the other unarmed robber went behind the register to take a fistful of cash.
Another employee, who was standing at the front of the store, complied when he was told to to kneel down.
“You can imagine how terrifying that must be,” said BSO spokesperson Gina Carter. “There’s someone there with a gun, makes you get down on your knees during the robbery.”
One man who works nearby was shocked by the double robbery. “Things like that shouldn’t happen at all,” said Tyrone Pronty. “Anything, people get robbed for any reason, anywhere. It shouldn’t happen.”
The unarmed robber, officials said, stands about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs approximately 130 pounds and has a dark complexion. He wore a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and a mask to cover his face.
According to police, the other male, who was armed, stands approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs 170 pounds and is in his 20s. He has a dark complexion and facial hair. He also wore a black sweatshirt and black pants, along with red sneakers and a black backpack. He was armed with a semi-automatic handgun.
That same gunman, investigators believe, robbed a Deerfield Beach Pizza Hut, around 10:50 p.m., July 8, but was by himself when he pretended to pay for pizza. He handed the employee cash for the pizza, but when the 22-year-old cashier opened the register, the gunman pulled out the handgun and pointed it at the cashier.
“When the cashier opened the register, he reached over, pointed a gun at her, completely shocked her. Terrorized her, you could tell she was really in shock during the robbery,” Carter said.
She was so scared that she walked away from the register and allowed him to grab the cash. At one point, it appears that she was praying while the robber reached over the counter and grabbed cash. As he fled, police said he yelled, “Don’t look at me!”
“The cashier was so shocked by this that she actually stood there for several minutes, not moving, just kind of embracing herself against the counter before she’s even able to tell anyone what had happened,” Carter said.
Emne Laport works nearby and tried to put herself in the employee’s shoes. “In situations like that, stay calm, hope for the best,” she said. “Don’t try to be the hero.”
The Broward Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s help to find the duo. “The video catches them very well. You can see the armed robber clearly in both videos, and he’s actually wearing the same outfit in both videos,” Carter said. “We’re hoping that somebody out there recognizes him or what he’s wearing and gives us the information that we need to find him.”
If you have any information on these robberies, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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