Brazen gunpoint robbery of NYC Gucci store caught on video
NEW YORK -- Police have released dramatic video showing the brazen armed robbery at a Manhattan Gucci store.
The thieves made off with $58,000 worth of luxury goods.
Surveillance cameras were rolling as two men in black hoodies, masks and gloves burst into this Gucci store on west 14th street Monday just after noon. Video shows one of them waving around a gun as they order everyone to the ground and then ransackthe shelves. As one stuffs merchandise into a large bag, the other grabs suitcases. They try making off with so much loot, one trips on the way out.
"There are so many businesses and stores around here, like, you would think around lunchtime it's peak hours of people being outside. So it's pretty bold," said Rachel Dreyer, who works nearby.
Police said the robbery crew consisted of three people -- two men and a woman who was waiting by the getaway car.
Not only did the heist occur in broad daylight, but the men ran out of the store with their hands full stolen goods into a packed sidewalk full of people.
Police say the trio packed into a black Honda CRV that headed for the Lincoln Tunnel to New Jersey.
"It's a desirable store with high products and it's new to the neighborhood so, I mean, maybe that's the cause," one person said.
"The use of a gun is particularly disturbing," Eli Klein said.
Families say the armed robbery is an anomaly in their typically safe neighborhood, but it was enough to unnerve some. At least one business took extra precautions Monday, locking their doors and only allowing customers in upon request.
"It's frustrating. A lot of New Yorkers are going through a flux, not only on the streets but retail. Some of the stores they are hitting are older Manhattan now," Connor O'Leary said.
Fortunately, no one was injured, but police need help identifying the three suspects.
Anyone with any information is asked to 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 a tip via their website or via DM on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.