Police Seek Masked Suspect In Armed Robbery At Bronx Laundromat
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police were searching Friday for a masked robber who held up a Bronx laundromat at gunpoint.
Authorities said the suspect entered the laundromat at 3960 Laconia Ave. around 9 p.m., took out a gun and demanded money from the 51-year-old female clerk.
As CBS2's Matt Kozar reported, the robber was wearing a mask straight from a horror movie as he paralyzed laundromat clerk Wen Ming with fear.
"I was afraid to die; scared to die. I think he was going to going to kill me or something if I don't give the money… because he has a gun," Ming said.
Ming said she was cleaning the washing machines Thursday night at the laundromat when the masked man grabbed her at gunpoint, pulled her behind the counter, and demanded cash.
She opened the register and the man dumped the drawer into his bag. He took off with $246, police said.
"(The customers) are scared. They were just hiding," Ming said.
The suspect fled in a gray Jeep Liberty sport-utility vehicle, police said. Ming called 911 and police arrived within minutes.
When CBS2 showed video of the crime to customers of the popular laundromat, they told CBS2 they weren't surprised.
"In the Bronx, these stories aren't really new," one area resident said. "It's nothing to react about because it's something that happens every day."
Ming said she was grateful that police are investigating, but would like to see more officers patrol the area.
"We want police on the street to protect us," she said.
Ironically, the laundromat is located just a quarter mile from the 47th Precinct, but that obviously did not deter the suspect, Kozar reported.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). You can also submit a tip by logging onto Crime Stoppers website or text a tip to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.
