7-Eleven clerk threatened at gunpoint

A man pulled a gun on a convenience store clerk while shoplifting early Wednesday morning.

Lucas Flores was working the overnight shift at the 7-Eleven on 1801 E. Platte Ave. when the man walked in just before 3 a.m. At first, he seemed like a typical customer -- until Flores noticed him stuffing merchandise into his pockets.

"I told him we have baskets up front; he doesn’t have to put stuff in his pocket. He tried arguing with me. I told him I couldn’t let him keep things, or put things in his pocket.

"He started arguing with me again. He slammed $1.75 on the counter and just walked out the store. I went out to tell him not to come back and he pulled a gun out and pointed it at me."

Flores says police were there within two or three minutes, but the suspect had gotten too big a head start. Officers have not been able to locate him. However, he did leave behind one big clue: his face was caught clearly on camera.

Flores told 11 News it can be scary working solo overnight.

"It’s just another day here just because people have done it before. My dad had a shotgun pulled in his face over here before and stuff too.

"... I've been here about three and a half years and had all kind of different incidences over the years. ... I always watch everybody who comes in the store because I’ve had people from people in dress suits coming in stealing and doing stuff to people who are homeless."

The entire ordeal was only over $10 worth of merchandise, Flores told 11 News. He said the suspect took chips, Pop-Tarts, and a few other similar items.

If you have information that can help police or recognize the man in the photo above this article, call CSPD at 719-444-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP. Crime Stoppers tips can be submitted anonymously.