Phoenix Police searching for suspects in violent vape shop robbery

PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- Phoenix Police are still looking for suspects, in connection with a violent robbery at a Valley smoke shop where a gun pointed at an employee's head.

A store clerk who worked at the store on Thursday said a lot of people are just shaken up by what happened. Meanwhile, Phoenix Police are hoping more people come forward to help them put the armed suspects behind bars.

The two suspects entered the Trend Vape and Smoke Shop on E. Bethany Home Road in Phoenix at around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and the incident was all caught on camera. Ulises Renteria said he had just left his shift when robbers came barging in.

"I could have been the one in that situation. I was definitely hurt that this is my job. This is a place that I take pride in," said Renteria.

One of the suspects was seen pointing a gun at the store clerk, and Phoenix Police officials said the other man grabbed some cigarettes and e-cigarettes before running away. According to Renteria, the victim, whose face was blurred out in the video, was the store owner's son.

"They immediately came in and consoled their son," said Renteria. He believes his co-worker did the right thing by handing over the cash and items that the thieves asked for. He would have done the same thing.

"Try not to be a hero because the store is insured," said Renteria. "We are fine, but it is a strike to pride, but it's much better to preserve your life than preserve your pride."

Phoenix Police officials describe the first suspect, the one with the gun, as a Hispanic male about 25 to 35 years old, 5'10" tall, weighing 165 lbs with a shaved head, long chain and glasses on his forehead. The second suspect is described as an Asian male at around the same age, 5'8" tall, with a medium build.

Silent Witness is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. Anyone with information should leave an anonymous tip by calling Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Spanish speakers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO.

Si tiene alguna información sobre este caso, llame a la línea de Testigo Silencioso (480-TESTIGO, 480-837-8446).

Silent Witness
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