Police are searching for two suspects after a brazen armed robbery at a Brownsville optical store.
Authorities said the incident happened around 12:15 p.m. Saturday at Vision 2020. Two armed men entered the store and threatened the owner at gunpoint.
The owner, who declined to show his face or share his name, told News 12 that he was sitting with a client when the suspects stormed in. At first, he thought it was a joke, nothing like this had ever happened in the 20 years his business has been open.
The suspects warned him not to move, saying they would kill him if he did. They then stole two chains and a ring valued at about $10,000, police said.
The owner described the suspects as teenagers and said the experience of facing a gun barrel is something he will never forget.
“I realized it was no joke,” the owner said. “I feel like someone broke into my house and violated me. I hope police can catch them because I wasn’t hurt, but they’re running through the community, the next person they could kill.”
He says one of the chains stolen was a gift from his daughter, which had sentimental value to him.
"But it's jewelry that can always be replaced. I'm grateful to be here after something like this," he said.
Police said the suspects took off on foot down 96th Street toward the park. They were described as a Hispanic teen wearing a bright-colored bandana and an older Black male.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call police.