Armed suspect in 'Scream' mask holds up smoke shop in Queens
Police say the men got away in a black Mazda 3 sedan.
OZONE PARK, Queens (WABC) -- Police are searching for three robbers, one wearing a mask from the film franchise "Scream," who held up a smoke shop in Queens in the middle of the day.
It was a terrifying scene, caught on camera, and the thieves got away with thousands of dollars.
It happened just before 6 p.m. Wednesday at Briana's World on 109th Avenue in Ozone Park.
Video released by the NYPD shows the suspect wearing the "Scream" mask holding up the store using an assault rifle.
A total of three people entered the store, the other two armed with hand guns. They then demanded the employees' cell phones and stole $3,000 in cash from the register.
Police say the men got away in a black Mazda 3 sedan.
Thankfully, no one was injured.
Robberies in the 106th Police Precinct are up 20% compared to this time last year.
Citywide, they are up almost 40%.
Police are asking for the public's help tracking down the suspects in this latest holdup.
Call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit tips by visiting the CrimeStoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or by messaging on Twitter @NYPDTips.
ALSO READ | Tracing the steps of asylum seekers as they settle in New York City
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
