WEST PARK, Fla. –
Three customers were caught in the crossfire last week during an armed robbery and shooting at a pawn shop in West Park, authorities said.
The incident was reported just before 5:30 p.m. May 22 at the Cash Inn Pawn Shop at 5948 Pembroke Road.
Broward sheriff's deputies said one robber brandished a semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at the victims while his accomplice rushed toward the counter holding a bag.
Deputies said an employee shot at the armed robbers, who returned fire.
Surveillance video shows the customers running for cover as shots were fired.
Deputies said the robbers struggled to open the front door to escape and slid through a small opening between the metal bars and the display counter, eventually fleeing out the back doors.
Deputies believe they left in an older-model black Lincoln MKZ.
"You have to be stupid to rob a pawn shop," a woman who works nearby said. "Most people in pawn shops are usually armed because they are a target for being robbed."
Authorities said no one was injured.
It's unclear whether the thieves got away with any merchandise.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective James Ramirez at 954-321-4270 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. A reward of up to $3,000 is offered for information that leads to an arrest.