Wanted: Masked Gunman & Getaway Driver Who Robbed Gables 7-Eleven
CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami) – New surveillance tape released by Coral Gables police shows some terrifying images at a 7-Eleven store as a gunman barges in, yells profanities, waves his weapon and jumps up on the counter.
The tape shows the criminal cursing at the clerk in English and repeatedly saying "Rapido, rapido," which is Spanish for quickly.
Police are releasing new details about the gunman based on this tape and are appealing for the public's help.
The crime happened at 7:50 Thursday night at the 7-Eleven at the intersection of Southwest 8th and Salzedo Streets.
A camera behind the register clearly captures the criminal's face.
"He did tell the clerk he wanted cash and he jumped up on the table," said Coral Gables Police Officer and spokeswoman Kelly Denham.
Denham told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "She removed the cash from the register. She did the right thing. No one was hurt."
"This subject is described as five foot six or five foot 8. He is possibly a black male and was wearing a skully cap and had a scarf to conceal his identity and he was brandishing a silver, semi-automatic handgun," said Denham.
The surveillance tape also shows two 7-Eleven clerks who are inside the store along with a customer who was wearing a yellow, sleeveless tank top.
Denham told D'Oench the gunman fled to a waiting getaway car.
"That driver was a white male, possibly Hispanic who is described as having bushy eyebrows," said Denham.
She also said the car was a sedan and police have a partial tag of 147K. Denham said police believe it is a Florida tag.
"We're asking for the public's help to see if they recognize anyone who was driving around at that time," said Denham. "They may have been driving erratically and they were going southbound on Salzedo Street."
She also said police would like to speak with anyone who witnessed something unusual in the area.
One police investigator on the scene said this particular store had not been robbed in a long time and many neighbors were surprised.
"This is a very tranquil neighborhood," said one resident who did not give his name.
Another neighbor who identified himself as "Frank" said, "We know things like this happen. But it is shocking. Look around. There are families in this neighborhood. It's an unfortunate thing. But I guess this can happen everywhere
Nowadays. But it is disconcerting to say the least."
Denham said, "We don't have too many crimes like this in Coral Gables but when this happens, this is a very serious crime. Someone could have gotten harmed or even killed."
She said police have not been told how much cash was taken. Investigators dusted the store for fingerprints right after the crime at 3960 Southwest 8th Street.
Employees of the store said they were now allowed to speak about the crime because 711 does not allow them to.
Denham said police would like to speak with the customer who was seen on the tape in the yellow tank top.
"There's a customer inside who's a regular customer so they're looking to speak with him again. He gave them the partial tag. So we're looking for him to come back so our detectives can interview him," said Denham.
Denham said she hopes this new surveillance tape will help police.
If you recognize the gunman or have any information, call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477). You will remain anonymous and you could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
