Pharmacy clerk attacked in shoplift-turned-robbery

A shoplifting attempt turned into a physical confrontation in a robbery that occurred in Elmont on Tuesday. The event, along with others, have been cause for concern among residents, as the threat of an economy-spurred spike in crime looms, especially given that it occurred in broad daylight.

The incident took place at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at a Duane Reade pharmacy on Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont.

A 34-year-old store clerk was working inside the pharmacy, when he noticed to men in the aisles of the store, shoving merchandise in their jackets and working together to hide what they were doing.

As soon as the clerk noticed what was happening, he called 911 and walked to the front exit of the pharmacy, locking it. As soon as he had hung up the phone with the dispatcher, the clerk walked over to the two suspects, and told them to stop what they were doing and empty their pockets of anything they had taken from the shelves.

As soon as he did so, both young men shoved him to the ground and began to run in the direction of the front door. Finding it locked, the two young men proceeded to kick and shove at the door until it gave way, damaging the deadbolt lock in the process.

By this time, the store clerk had stood up and run to the front door in an attempt to intercede. With the door open and the first suspect already outside, the clerk grabbed at the second suspect's jacket, clutching it just barely by the material. As soon as he made contact, the suspect turned and threw a wide-swinging punch at the clerk, which he managed to block with his arm, but forced him to let go of his attacker.

Once both suspects were outside, they hopped into a silver 4-door sedan, a late 1980's or early 1990's model, according to police officers, which was being driven by a woman the victim couldn't identify.

The car tore out of the parking lot and turned southbound on Hill Avenue, adjacent to the pharmacy.

Aside from being shoved down and punched, the store clerk was not seriously injured in the attack.

Anyone community members or eyewitnesses who have any information about the crime or the suspects involved are asked to call investigating detectives at Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS(8477). All calls will be kept confidential.