NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Police on Tuesday released surveillance footage of a group of suspects wanted for pepper-spraying employees, in a string of robberies at smoke shops in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
The first incident happened at approximately 8:17 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, authorities said.
A 22-year-old store employee was working inside of a smoke shop located at 51 Madison St. in Two Bridges, when he was approached by the suspects who discharged pepper spray into the worker's face and took approximately $1,400 and a cellphone from the store before fleeing in an unknown direction.
EMS transported the victim to New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital for treatment for pain and burning to the eyes.
The second incident occurred at 8:45 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 7, when a 26-year-old store employee was working inside of a smoke shop located at 17 Bogart St. in East Williamsburg.
The employee was approached by the group of suspects discharged pepper spray into the victim’s face and took approximately $300 and cannabis products from the store before fleeing in an unknown direction.
EMS treated the victim at the scene for pain and burning to the eyes.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).