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Police: Regular Robs Miami-Dade Food Store

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HOMESTEAD (CBSMiami) -- Miami-Dade Police are searching for a man they said committed a violent armed robbery at a southwest Miami-Dade food store and gas station earlier this month.

Authorities released surveillance video of the robbery on Wednesday in hopes someone will recognize the robber.

CLICK HERE To Watch Peter D'Oench's Report 

On October 11th, officials said 70-year old Iqbal Mohammad and Ernesto Rivera, 66, were working behind the counter when a man, who is considered a regular, walked in and headed straight for the back of the store located at 13690 SW

268th Street.

Commercial Armed Robbery 10/11 / Homestead Food Store Robbery
Picture of surveillance video of a Homestead food store robbery on October 11, 2014. (Courtesy: Miami-Dade Police Department)

Rivera told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "I was alone and he went to the back of the store and I saw his face. He had a beard on his face and glasses and it seemed like he had a white towel on his head. I know he was a regular customer but I don't know his name."

The man later walked up to the counter with a bottle of dish soap and asked Rivera to hand him a t-shirt behind the counter.

When Rivera handed him the shirt, the man grabbed Rivera by the neck and pointed a gun at both employees.

 

Mohammed, in fear for his life, opened the register for the man who leaned over the counter and grabbed $150 from the tray.

Police said he got away with the money, t-shirt and dish soap.

"He took out his gun and pointed it at the owner and said give me the money," he said. "He told me poppy, poppy, stand still. I got no money in my pockets so I was not worried. The owner got the money and he gave it to him. I was not scared. It happened so fast."

No injuries were reported.

Rivera, whose nickname is "Flaco," told D'Oench he has worked at the store for 15 years and has never been robbed before.

Mohammed did not want to speak on camera but he said the robber actually called him by his first name when he came in to the store. He also said he did not know the regular customer's name but believes he lives nearby.

"I think he lives across the street," said Mohammed. "Everyone know who he is."

Rivera said he did not plan to give up his job.

"Yes I plan to go back to the store," he said. "I need to pay my rent."

Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at (305) 471- TIPS.

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