Attackers Caught On Video In New Brunswick, N.J. Liquor Store Robbery Attempt
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police in New Brunswick, New Jersey were hoping Thursday to locate a trio of would-be robbers who pistol-whipped a store owner.
As CBS 2's John Slattery reported, the attack was caught on tape. And while liquor stores are common targets for thieves, this encounter was particularly brutal.
"They don't say one word -- nothing," said store owner Kamlesh Patel. He said the assailants just hit him.
Patel, 36, is the owner of the Discount Liquor store on Georges Road where the attack happened at 11 a.m. May 5. No customers were inside at the time.
The video shows three men approaching, with one serving as a lookout. Patel and a liquor salesman were inside at the time.
"They just put one gun on the salesman, and one guy just hit me up," Patel said.
In fact, Patel, who tried to get away, was struck as many as a dozen times before the intruders went for the office.
"They tried to open the office door, but couldn't get through. That's when they ran away," Patel said.
The door to the office was locked, so the robbers left empty-handed, he said.
Patel, who suffered lacerations to the face and head, required five stiches to the lip and three staples to the head.
The owner believes the two gunmen had cased the store previously.
Police described one of the men as Hispanic, with stocky build, wearing a sweatshirt with the words, "What not to," on the front. The other man who repeatedly beat Patel was taller and dark-skinned, and was wearing a green shirt.
Police were hoping someone would recognize the two before they strike again somewhere else.
The owner of the liquor store is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
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