Surveillance video shows suspect armed with rifle trying to rob bakery in Woodhaven, Queens
WOODHAVEN, Queens (WABC) -- Surveillance video captured the moments a man walked into a bakery in Queens and pointed a rifle at an employee behind the counter.
It happened at Paneorama Bakery on 96th Street and Jamaica Avenue around 8 p.m. on September 23.
The worker managed to escape through a back door and the gunman ran away empty-handed. No other customers were in the shop at the time.
Owner Luis Sarimento says he was home when he got a call that a man came into his shop with a bag and large rifle demanding cash from his worker -- who at the time was alone behind the counter.
"They have to find him is it dangerous? Yes," Sarimento said. "Someone has a business and they leave late at night, you should be able to have a safe space."
No one was injured, and the suspect got away without any money or pastries. Officers say the suspect fled the scene on foot southbound on 97th Street in a dark colored SUV.
Despite the frightening encounter, Sarimento's worker was quick-thinking.
After telling the man she had no money, the worker ran from behind the counter and into the kitchen, eventually escaping through the shop's back door.
Sarimento credits the training he puts his employees through to keep them safe. He says the training is simple: in an emergency, protect yourself and not the business.
"If something happens, you need to call me and save your life. Money is not important," he said.
When asked what would make them feel safer, neighborhood residents said a greater NYPD presence.
"Hire more cops, foot patrols, bring on more cops here, that's what we pay taxes for," said resident Robert James.
According to the NYPD, the suspect is described as a man with a light complexion and heavy build. He was last seen wearing two different dark-colored sunglasses, a blue bandana, grey colored t-shirt and dark-colored shorts and shoes.
Anyone with information about the attempted robbery is asked to call the NYPD s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
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