FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – A brave bystander intervened in a robbery attempt at a Family Dollar store in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, as per local law enforcement records. Nicolas Richard Lee Deas, a 20-year-old local, and an unidentified accomplice are the alleged culprits behind the incident, which took place on the evening of September 13.
The duo reportedly tricked their way into the store after closing hours, claiming to retrieve a left-behind cellphone. However, once inside, their true intentions became clear as they threatened the employee and demanded cash, according to the arrest report from Fort Lauderdale Police.
The suspects then forced the employee to open the store’s safe and filled a bag with $1,200. Deas is also accused of assaulting the employee with his firearm, hitting him in the neck and elbow.
A neighboring store owner, alerted by the noise, decided to step in. This courageous individual confronted Deas, ordering him to drop his weapon and lie down. Deas followed the instructions while his accomplice fled the scene.
The brave store owner kept Deas under control at gunpoint until the police arrived. Deas was arrested and is being held without bond. He faces a slew of charges, including armed robbery, aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, grand theft of a firearm, and illegal possession of a concealed firearm. The weapon used in the robbery was reportedly stolen.
The second suspect’s identity and current location are still unknown.