SUNRISE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are on the search for two men who, they said, stormed into a Neiman Marcus at Sawgrass Mills Mall, smashed a glass display and made off with pricey purses before pepper-spraying an employee during their escape.
The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon at the Neiman Marcus Last Call inside the shopping center, located at 12801 W Sunrise Blvd. in Sunrise.
According to Sunrise Police, the subjects went inside the store, looked around, came up to a case that had expensive purses, broke the glass case, took the purses and ran out of the store.
Investigators said the subjects, who covered their faces, fled in an unknown vehicle after the robbery.
The Sunrise Fire Department responded to the mall to treat the employee hit with the pepper spray.
7News cameras shows the security gates of the store were activated, closing the store for the day following the robbery.
Police are now looking at surveillance video from around the mall.
Further details regarding the suspects’ descriptions and the vehicle are currently unknown as the investigation continues.
Employees and customers described how the incident played out.
“An alarm went off. People coming out coughing, saying there is like a weird smell, and then later on a lady said, ‘You’re right. That was mace’,” said Adi Alic, a security guard.
A couple and their children who are visiting the area from Kentucky said they were turned away when they tried entering the store.
“Employees sent home. Nobody can go in there. I just think that’s absolutely crazy. This is the first I’ve ever heard of it,” said Kimber Rednour.
The family said that Neiman Marcus is their favorite store, and they’ll have to come back tomorrow.
“Cops was zooming up and down,” said Larry Wilson. “Every day that, bad people.”
Detectives said the stolen purses have an estimated value of $12,000.
Alic said bold incidents like these are a concern for him.
“I don’t like seeing that kind of stuff. It just worries me, you know?” said Alic.
No injuries were reported. Sunrise Police said they don’t know what the subjects look like.
If you have any information on this robbery or the subjects’ whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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