Police have released video footage of a man who they say assaulted and robbed an Astoria furniture store employee last month after he went looking for a refund on a sofa that he said was never delivered.
According to authorities, the incident began just before 6 p.m. on July 23 when the suspect entered American Design Furniture at 32-94 Steinway St. and confronted the employee about the sofa.
The furniture buyer started arguing with the 24-year-old store worker and asked for his money back, police said. He then allegedly pulled out a knife and placed it against the victim while still demanding his money.
After the employee handed over the $500 he wanted, the suspect began to punch the victim and took another $1,500 from his pants pockets.
The suspect then fled the store in a vehicle in an unknown direction. The victim was removed to Mount Sinai Queens for minor injuries, which included a cut to his forearm, and was released, police said.
Authorities describe the suspect as a Hispanic man, about 28 to 30 years old, 6 feet tall and 190 pounds with short, black hair and freckles. He was last seen wearing a pink shirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, visit their website or send a text message to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
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