Police: Robber pointed hand at workers

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MANATEE, Fla., April 13 (UPI) -- Police in Florida said a man accused of robbing a 7-Eleven store allegedly threatened employees by holding his hand in the shape of a gun.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Roger Crawford, 42, had only been out of jail for about a month when he walked into the convenience store April 6 and began stuffing items from coolers and shelves into his clothes, WFTS-TV, Tampa, reported Friday.

"Why are you watching me?" Crawford allegedly asked the clerk before making a gun-shape with his hand and pointing it at employees.

"I know you," he is quoted as telling the workers.

A deputy walked into the store right after Crawford left and chased the suspect when workers told him about the robbery.

Crawford fled on foot and was found hiding behind a shed about 150 yards from the store. He was arrested and charged with strong-armed robbery.