A gunman entered this Verizon store in Howard Beach, stealing various mobile devices and cash from the register.
Photo by Eugénie Bisulco
At approximately 10:45 am on Saturday, Nov. 22, a man entered the Verizon Wireless store at 159-20 Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach, and, displaying a silver firearm, demanded cash and a variety of mobile devices. The man was described as black and completely covered up, wearing a black bandana that obscured his face, a hoodie, a baseball cap, and gloves. Only the man’s eyes were visible through the garb.
According to the NYPD and sources at the store, the robber walked in carrying a laundry bag and directed the clerk to place money from the register inside it. Then he walked the clerk to the back of the store and asked that a variety of phones from display cases be placed in the bag. Instructing the clerk to remain in the back, he then left the scene.
There were two employees in the store at the time of the robbery; however, one remained in the bathroom throughout the incident and thus was not a witness. Surveillance footage described as “very thorough” has been turned over to the authorities.
“My store has been here since 2001, and nothing like this has ever taken place before,” said Jodi, the manager there. “It’s extremely disturbing. We’re left out here to fend for ourselves. There’s not enough of a police presence in this neighborhood.” She also mentioned that all the phones taken have registered serial numbers, rendering them worthless to whomever ends up with them.
This incident marks the second armed robbery on Cross Bay Boulevard in a matter of days. On Nov. 7, Liberty Travel was held up at gunpoint by two thieves who made away with cash and cell phones.
By Eugénie Bisulco
