It’s one thing to rob a Queens business; it’s another to be a jerk about it.
Cops are looking for a gloating bandit who robbed a Rego Park clothing store at gunpoint last week — then stuck his tongue out at store officials as he fled.
Law enforcement sources said the suspect made a visit to the Burlington store in the Rego Center mall, located at 96-05 Queens Blvd., at 2:30 p.m. on May 17. While inside, he grabbed numerous items and attempted to leave without paying for them.
Authorities said security guards tried to stop the suspect before he could exit. When they approached, police said, the perpetrator displayed what appeared to be a firearm in his waistband. He then exited the store, carrying a black bag with him.
Security camera footage outside the Burlington store’s entrance shows the suspect sticking his tongue out at people inside the store, then — before fleeing down a stairwell to the parking garage — making hand gestures as if daring someone to chase him.
The incident was reported to the 112th Precinct; there were no injuries.
Police described the suspect as a black man between 20 and 30 years of age wearing all-dark clothing.
Anyone with information regarding the robbery or the suspect’s whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA), visit the Crime Stoppers website or send a text message to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
