Police searching for male in connection with knifepoint robbery

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD is asking the public's assistance identifying an individual in connection with an armed robbery in the 122nd Precinct.

According to police, the unidentified male entered New Targee Cleaners, located at 1132 Targee St., at approximately 5:30 p.m.on August 11 and engaged a female worker in conversation. Police said he askedabout same day dry cleaning services before leaving establishment.

The man then re-entered and demanded everybody on the floor and brandished a knife, police said.

An NYPD spokesman said the woman who spoke with the male resisted and refused to get down on the floor.

She struggled with the man and received a small laceration on her stomach, the spokesman said. The woman refused medical attention at the scene.

The suspect removed $500 and fled the location in an unknown direction, according to police.

A level-one mobilization was called to search for the suspect.

People with information are urged to call the precinct's detectives at 718-876-8196 or NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 (TIPS), or for Spanish, 1-888-577-4782 (PISTA). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are kept strictly confidential.