Fearless workers rescued

A gutsy pawnshop clerk and her manager who were held up at gunpoint have vowed that they won’t let the harrowing ordeal deter them.
The attempted robbery of Five Boroughs Pawn Shop at 93rd Avenue and 104th Street in Richmond Hill on December 2 began when a single suspect entered the store, which sells jewelry, and asked to see a woman’s bracelet.
&#8220I just had a feeling,” said Cathy Rosario, 22, who has been working at the store for six months. &#8220I could tell he was nervous.”
&#8220He was trying to put the bracelet on, even though it was for a woman,” she continued.
After Rosario placed the jewelry back in the showcase – which was open – two other males entered the store.
The first guy wasn’t too suspicious,” said Brian Cabrera, 30, manager. &#8220But then the other two came in and the first guy put the gun on Cathy and said ‘Don’t move.’ ”
&#8220When I saw the gun, my first reaction was like, ‘Whoa,’ ” said Rosario, who had the firearm aimed at her stomach. &#8220But I knew that if I screamed or did anything I would be in danger.”
Just as the incident was unfolding, the store’s phone rang.
&#8220As soon as the two guys were in the store the phone rings and a voice says, ‘Are you all right in there,’ ” said Cabrera.
The call was coming from officers of the 102nd Precinct – both uniformed and plainclothes – who had received a tip that Five Boroughs would be robbed that day and were conducting surveillance outside.
The suspects, who had heard the phone conversation, sensed something was afoot.
&#8220I was trying to slow the guys down,” said Rosario. &#8220I was giving them the cheapest things [jewelry].”
The men then reached into the showcase and grabbed handfuls of items before running out of the store.
As the police pursued them, they dropped their loot – as well as a .380-caliber semi-automatic gun – on the sidewalk.
&#8220They threw the gun under my car, which was parked right out front,” said Cabrera.
Cops apprehended the men, Eddie Williams, 44; Benjamin Shim, 46; and Anthony Jones, 46, without incident.
They also recovered the gun, which was loaded with seven hollow-point bullets, $12,000 worth of merchandise dropped outside the store, as well as $2,000 worth of jewelry dumped down the block.
None of the suspects attempted to conceal his identity during the attempted robbery, making identifying them easy for their would-be victims.
&#8220We were able to pick out all three,” said Cabrera. &#8220I’ll never forget them.”
The men were charged with robbery in the first degree.
The store, which previously had two alarm buzzers and four surveillance cameras, will now be equipped with a keypad and magnetic lock to let customers in and out. Additionally, they will be hiring an armed security guard.
&#8220We won’t let them deter us,” said Cabrera.
Rosario echoed the sentiment.
&#8220I’m not afraid,” she said.