Police Searching For Thief Who Targeted Nail Salons
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Police are searching for the man who robbed two nail salons and a boutique in Miami-Dade County.
The owner of SoMi Nail Spa in South Miami said an employee was getting ready to open just before 11 a.m. Sunday and a customer was already in the store when a man came in and forced them into the back room.
"I opened the door. I walked in. I heard a man's voice in the back room and I say something is not right," said Kenny To, SoMi's owner. "I quietly come inside and he ran out. When he ran out I chased him. I pushed him through the door. After that he came back he asked for a cell phone."
To said the robber didn't get his cell phone, but he did get away with at least $100 in cash from a customer. Police said the robber had a gun in his waistband and To said he threatened them.
"He told us if we chased him he's gonna kill us, that's what he said," To added.
"He is deemed armed and dangerous," said Sergeant Henry Guzman with South Miami's Police Department.
Police said the same man who robbed SoMi also robbed a hair and nail salon in Hialeah and Splash Boutique on 57th Avenue.
"It looks like he's preying on females if he's going into these boutiques. He doesn't believe they're going to fight back and they'll just stay quiet and give up their money," said Sergeant Guzman.
That's exactly what police said a robbery victim should do.
"Give them the property. It's not worth your life. The second thing, look at him head to toe get a good description of what he's wearing. See if there's any marks, any tattoos, anything that you can tell on this individual," said Sergeant Guzman.
In this case, police said the robber had one very distinguishing feature which is white chapped lips.
Police are warning business owners and hoping someone will recognize the man.
"We're trying to get the word out as quickly as possible to get this individual in custody before he commits another crime," added Sergeant Guzman.
If you recognize the man, contact Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS or the South Miami Police Department at (305) 663-6301.
