BY ROBERT POZARYCKI | Cops need the public’s help in finding a young man who went on a heated rampage at a smoke shop near Union Square after the clerk refused to sell him a vaping device.
The 9th Precinct tweeted on Sept. 27 images of the suspect behind the incident, which occurred at 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 13 inside the I Smoke & Vape Shop at 141 4th Ave. in the East Village.
According to law enforcement sources, the 20-year-old perpetrator walked in and attempted to buy a vape. A 36-year-old male clerk, however, refused to complete the transaction because the man was underage.
Sales of tobacco products, including vaping devices and e-cigarettes, are prohibited to anyone under 21 in New York State.
Police said the spurned suspect then went on the attack. According to authorities, he broke items on the counter and flung other goods across the store, then punched the male clerk in the face.
Moments later, he fled the scene in an unknown direction, cops said.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts can call the 9th Precinct Detective Squad at 212-477-7809, or send a direct message to Crime Stoppers @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
#WANTED Do you recognize him? He’s wanted for #ASSAULT. On 9/13/19, while inside a store at 141 4th Ave., he punched a store clerk and caused property damage before fleeing. If you recognize him or have any info, ☎️ our ♂️ at 212-477-7809 or DM @NYPDTips. pic.twitter.com/dE1fuG8YcM
— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) September 27, 2019
