Zebra-striped bandit hits store in Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE — That was no armed zebra asking for a pack of cigarettes, then demanding all the cash in the register.

Fort Lauderdale police on Wednesday released surveillance video showing a gunman wearing a zebra-stripped hoodie holding up a convenience store.

Authorities are hoping someone recognizes the armed man wearing the black-and-white striped sweatshirt so a suspect can be identified.

The robbery happened about 9:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the 7-Eleven at 951 NE 62nd St.

The video shows the man casually strolling into the store while putting his hoodie over his head. Police said he then approached the counter and asked for a pack of cigarettes.

When the clerk turned around to retrieve the smokes, themanstood by the register with a gun in his hand and demanded cash fromthe drawer.

The clerk is then seen handing over the entire drawer and keeping her hands in the air. The surveillance images showthe man slowlywalking away from the store while the clerk tries to signal for help.

Police said the man fled the area in a Ford or Chevy pickup. A witness managed to obtain a partial Florida license plate with the numbers “481” on it, said Detective DeAnna Garcia. Thethief is believedto be about 5 foot 10 and was last seen wearing the striped hooded sweatshirt, jean shorts and a blue T-shirt.

Amanager at the store onWednesday said the clerkwas not hurt during the robbery and has since returned to work. The manager declined further comment.

Investigators ask anyone with information about the crime or the identity of the robber to contact Fort Lauderdale Police Detective Elijah Thomasat954-828-6093, orBroward Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at 954-493-8477.