Credit: James Short
Authorities are investigating a dangerous and violent robbery at a smoke shop in Abington Township that left an employee injured Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on March 24 at a business along the 1300 block of Easton Road. Officials confirmed the suspect is now in custody and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Watch video of footage of the incident here from NBC 10.
Initial reports from Montgomery County Dispatch indicated that shots had been fired, however, those reports were unfounded.
According to investigators, surveillance footage shows a masked individual wearing a pink hoodie entering the store and approaching the counter before striking an employee in the head. The suspect then began damaging the store, knocking merchandise to the floor and destroying displays.
Video also shows the individual using a rock to smash a glass case and remove items before fleeing the scene. Police say the suspect returned moments later and took additional merchandise.
The victim sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
The store owner is still working to determine the total value of the stolen merchandise.
A large police presence responded to the scene, and authorities advised residents to avoid the area around the 1300 block of Easton Road as the investigation continued.
The incident comes amid recent concerns in the area following another report of gunfire near a nearby basketball court in Elkins Park earlier this month.
