An alleged robber believed to have assaulted a Family Dollar worker during an attempted theft was stopped by a vigilant armed individual in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, as indicated by police documents.
20-year-old Nicolas Richard Lee Deas from Fort Lauderdale, alongside another individual, approached a Family Dollar staffer on Sept. 13 as the store was closing, as reported by Local 10 News.
The Fort Lauderdale police reported the attempted robbery occurred around 10 p.m. Wednesday at the Family Dollar located at 1939 NW Ninth Ave., within the city’s Lauderdale Manors neighborhood.
Deas allegedly told the employee that he had left his cell phone inside the store and wished to retrieve it quickly. After being granted entry, the situation escalated rapidly.
Deas is said to have threatened the employee, demanded money, and threatened their life, per the Fort Lauderdale Police arrest statement.
The affidavit elaborated that during this frightening incident, the worker experienced violence, suffering hits from the firearm on the back of his head and elbow. Subsequently, they were led to the store’s safe, where approximately $1,200 was taken.
Unbeknownst to Deas and his associate, an adjacent store owner intervened, having heard the commotion. The individual entered the store, confronted Deas, and commanded him to lay down his gun and get on the ground. Deas obeyed while his associate made his escape. This brave individual kept Deas restrained until the police arrived.
Following the incident, Deas was detained and denied bail, facing multiple charges, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a concealed weapon. The firearm used in the alleged crime was reported stolen.
As of Friday afternoon, Deas remains detained at the Main Jail, pending additional legal actions.
The affidavit chose not to disclose the victims’ names, ensuring their safety and confidentiality.
Concurrently, the other suspect successfully slipped away, escaping from the location on foot. As of Friday afternoon, it was still uncertain if the authorities had identified or caught this second individual.
