Phoenix police looking for armed man who robbed Family Dollar

It was a terrifying experience for the employees and customers of a west Phoenix Family Dollar Store.

“One of the employees was literally down on her knees, scared to death,” said Phoenix Police Sgt. Darren Burch.

On Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at about 6:30 p.m., a man wearing a grey hoodie over his head burst into the store at 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street pointing an assault rifle. He immediately swept the store with his gun, ordering everyone to one area. Then, pointing the weapon at the clerks, he headed straight for the cash registers.

“The way he maneuvered the weapon was as if he’s had some type of military background or training,” said Burch.

The armed robber took the cash and took off. He was seen fleeing in a red or maroon four-door sedan. The entire frightening experience lasted only 30 seconds. But for those who looked down the barrel of that gun, it probably felt much longer.

“The assault rifle is very distinctive,” said Burch. “It has a front pistol grip, a folding stock and is possibly an AK-47. People who have these types of weapons many times like to show them off. So people that know him may know he has this type of weapon.”