Police search for knife-wielding smoke shop robbery suspect

Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man accused of robbing the Laveen Smoke Shop at knife point.

Authorities say on December 4th at approximately 4:00 p.m., the suspect entered the store near 51st Avenue and Southern. He demanded money at knife point before jumping over the counter. After taking money from the register, he chased one of the employees out the back door and fled the scene on foot.

"Although the suspect is trying to hide his identity, it's possible someone can recognize him, and particularly his shoes might help, from the video. The careless way he is swinging that knife is extremely dangerous and we are glad no one was hurt," stated Phoenix Police Sgt. Jamie Rothschild.

The suspect is described as a black male, 20 to 30 years old, 5' 9" to 6' 1" tall, weighing 220 to 235 pounds and having a goatee on his chin. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black bandana on his face, gray sweatpants and red/black shoes.