Video: East Harlem Deli Robbed At Gunpoint, Police Say

EAST HARLEM, NY — Two men robbed an East Harlem deli at gunpoint and made off with thousands in cash, according to police, who released video Wednesday showing the brazen theft.

The robbery unfolded on Aug. 20, when the two men walked into Axel Grocery Store, on East 118th Street just west of Third Avenue, at around 12:30 a.m., police said.

One man pointed a black firearm at the 66-year-old man who was behind the counter, demanding that he hand over cash. The clerk complied, and the two men took $900 in cash from the register — then stole an addition $5,000 that had been in the clerk's possession, according to police.

The two men were seen fleeing on foot northbound along Third Avenue, police said. No one was injured.

Police described the first suspect as about 5 feet 5 inches tall with a medium build, a goatee and short, dark, braided hair. HE was last seen wearing a gray jacket, a t-shirt with a graphic on the front, sneakers, and blue jeans, police said.

The second man was about 6 feet tall with a thin build, a mustache, short, close-cut dak hair and bulging eyes, police said. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black pants, black sneakers and a white t-shirt, police said.

Police on Wednesday released surveillance video showing the robbery, as well as a clip showing the two men in front of the store just beforehand, according to authorities.

Police asked anyone with information to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). People can also submit tips online or on Twitter, @NYPDTips.