via DCPI
Dec. 3, 2018 By Meghan Sackman
A man attacked employees at a Flushing spa last week in a wild scene after he was denied a refund—even resorting to threatening them with a hammer and eventually making off with some cash.
Police say the attack and robbery happened at around 10:35 p.m. on Nov. 29, when the man entered Tao Spa Bodywork at 135-20 40th Rd. and demanded a refund from a 55-year-old female employee inside.
But the employee denied the refund request, to which the man threatened her with a hammer and demanded money again.
Police say the man then dragged the 55-year-old into the spa’s waiting room and punched her in the face, prompting at least three other female employees to go out and confront him.
But the suspect’s attacks continued as he grabbed a 56-year-old female employee by the throat and shoved her against the wall, all while menacing the other two staffers with a hammer.
The employees then gave the attacker $40 in hopes that he would leave. The man took the money, but also smashed open a piggy bank that was on the counter, taking some of the coins and bills that were inside.
The attacker then fled on foot eastbound on 40th Road.
The employees, meanwhile, were treated at the scene by EMS for unspecified injuries, according to police.
The suspect is described as Hispanic, between 20 to 30 years of age, and with a height of 5 feet 6 inches. He weighs about 160 pounds, has black hair, and was last seen wearing a grey hooded coat, dark jeans, tan work boots, and a light colored backpack.
Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-8477, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
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