2 people wanted for trying to steal iPhones from Mt. Laurel Best Buy: police

Digital Brief: Friday, May 5 2023 (AM)

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (CBS) -- Frightening moments inside a Best Buy in South Jersey when two men allegedly start stealing iPhones and iPads. Then police say one of the thieves pulls out a gun and aims it at employees inside the store.

A manager said some of the employees are still a bit shaken but luckily no one was hurt.

Police released new evidence. Cameras were rolling the entire time.

New surveillance video from inside the Best Buy on Nixon Drive in Mount Laurel shows what police are calling a bold and brazen robbery Sunday afternoon.

"While in the cellphone area, one of the suspects began stealing iPhones and was told not to by an employee," Lt. Ryan Orange said.

Mount Laurel police released a video that shows a man in a blue jumpsuit reaching for an iPhone on display and when employees jump in, he then pulls out a 9mm handgun and points it at several people inside the store.

"Sunday afternoon right in the middle of daylight to come in there, it's something I personally never seen before," Orange said.

Police say the two thieves were able to get away with two iPhones and two iPads worth nearly $4,000.

The video also shows them in the parking lot inside an older silver Acura TL.

"I'm glad I missed that whole thing on Sunday because I would have been right in the middle of all of that," Charise said.

Charise is feeling grateful. She says she tried to exchange her computer monitor Sunday afternoon but was told the store was closed because of an emergency.

Charise and many shoppers say they don't want to feel unsafe in their hometown store.

Now, they're hoping someone recognizes these men, who police believe are in their 20s to 30s, and both described to be under five feet tall.

"Why would they even do that for one it's a Best Buy," Charise said."It's a big store and they have cameras all over."

"In today's world, I think everybody is getting a little too brazen," Chuck Elskamp said.

"Absolutely, they need to be held accountable," Nonny Hewes said.

Police say the employees did the right thing by backing off and not engaging with the gunman.

Police are asking for the public help in identifying two armed robbery suspects. Anyone with information is being asked to call police at 856-234-8300 or their confidential tip line at 856-234-1414 Ext. 159.

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