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Cameras Catch Armed Robber Nonchalantly Case Store Before Stealing Jewelry

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HOMESTEAD (CBSMiami) – Homestead police are looking for a man brazen enough to walk into a busy department store in daylight and rob a clerk at gunpoint.

The busy Kohl's department store at 2455 NE 10th Ct. in Homestead was filled with customers, including children, as the armed man walked in at about 7:35 p.m. Tuesday.

"The sales clerk at that point obviously was nervous," Det. Eric Rodriguez said.

And who can blame her.

The man was caught on store surveillance video walking in and nonchalantly casing the store.

He then approached the fine jewelry counter and told the sales associate he was shopping for a gift for his wife.

"Shortly thereafter he pulled up his t-shirt and brandished a firearm to the clerk," Det. Rodriguez told CBS4 Reporter Donna Rapado.  "Gave the sales clerk a white plastic bag and said, 'Fill it up with jewelry.'"

The armed robber then threatened the clerk verbally as she quickly filled the bag with thousands of dollars worth in jewelry – constantly reminded her he had a gun.

"It's kind of a big time for business, just a little bit after dinner," Rodriguez explained.  "Very brazen obviously, the sun is still out. Very worrisome to us somebody with a firearm. Thank God nothing happened.  The associate did the right thing and not try to challenge this person.  It could've become a lot worse."

The gun-carrying thief is described as being between 5-feet 11-inches and 6-feet tall with a stocky build.

At the time he was in light basketball-style shorts, dark long sleeve shirt and a camo cap reading "NEW MONEY" in big bold white letters.

A Kohl's store manager told Rapado Wednesday that the sales clerk was initially shaken up.   But, she was feeling better and had cooperated with police.

Police urge anyone with information to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.

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