Woodhaven Armed Robbery: Surveillance video shows suspect with gun attempting to rob bakery in Queens, NYC

WOODHAVEN, Queens (WABC) — Surveillance video captured the moment a man entered a Queens bakery and pointed a rifle at an employee behind the counter.

It happened around 8 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Paneorama Bakery on 96th Street and Jamaica Avenue.

The worker managed to escape through a back door, but the shooter ran away empty-handed. There were no other customers in the store at the time.

Owner Luis Sarimento says he was at home when he received a call that a man came into his store with a bag and a large rifle and demanded cash from his worker – who was sitting alone behind the counter at the time.

“You have to find him. Is that dangerous? Yes,” Sarimento said. “Someone has a business and goes out late at night. They should have a safe space.”

No one was injured and the suspect got away without any money or cookies. According to officers, the suspect fled on foot in a dark-colored SUV heading south on 97th Street.

Despite the frightening encounter, Sarimento's worker was quick-thinking.

After telling the man she had no money, the worker ran out from behind the counter and into the kitchen, eventually escaping through the back door of the store.

Sarimento praises the training he gives his employees to keep them safe. He says the training is simple: In an emergency, you protect yourself and not the company.

“If something happens, you must call me and save your life. Money is not important,” he said.

When asked what would make them feel safer, residents said they would expect a greater NYPD presence.

“Hire more police officers, patrol on foot, hire more police officers here, that’s what we pay taxes for,” said resident Robert James.

According to the NYPD, the suspect is described as a man with a light complexion and a heavy build. He was last seen wearing two different types of dark sunglasses, a blue bandana, a gray T-shirt, and dark shorts and shoes.

Anyone with information about the attempted robbery is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

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