CMPD searching for man caught on camera robbing cellphone store at gunpoint

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is searching for a man caught on surveillance camera robbing a west Charlotte Boost Mobile store at gunpoint.

According to CMPD, the suspect stormed into the Boost Mobile on Freedom Drive around 7:30 p.m. and pointed a gun at two employees while demanding cash from the registers.

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Robberies have become such a problem that the store keeps one door locked and asks customers to use the other door as a safety precaution.

Channel 9's Stephanie Tinoco spoke to one of the employees who said the man walked around the building and looked through the glass to see who was inside right before the robbery.

Andrea Vigil was one of the two employees inside the store.

“He walked off for maybe about two minutes, came back,” Vigil said. “That time, he was wearing a hood.”

(Surveillance video from the robbery)

No one was injured, but the employee told Channel 9 she was shaking and could barely move out of shock.

Vigil said the robber was in the store for about 30 seconds before taking off with the cash and running across Freedom Drive toward Camp Green Street.

“As soon as he pushed that door, he pulled out the gun, and he was, like, ‘Give me all your money. Open your registers. Hurry up,’” Vigil said.

A Boost Mobile store on Albemarle Road has been recently robbed twice. Another store on Rosehaven Drive off Central Avenue has also been held up.

“So many Boost Mobiles have been targeted in the past couple of weeks,” Vigil said. “So, it is scary to know that this can happen again.”

Police have not said if the most recent case is connected.

“The recent robberies have been very violent with employees getting hit, so it is very nerve-racking,” Vigil said.

Employees said they are cooperating with police, providing surveillance video and clear descriptions.

“It’s really upsetting that they’re not being held accountable, because while they’re out, they can do it to any other business,” Vigil said.

The robber is about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and in his 40s with a bald head and goatee, police said.

He was wearing a black jacket with a green hood and dark-colored pants.

No arrests have been made.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

Cox Media Group