HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – A desperate cash thief has been caught on camera robbing a west Houston smokehouse.

The suspect pulled out a gun shortly after entering the store in the 2300 block of South Kirkwood, near South Lake, on Friday, June 3, at around 1:30 p.m.

Houston police say the thief placed a magazine in the weapon, dug the slide, then began demanding money from the cash register.

Video released by HPD on Wednesday shows the thief cleaning up the register, then fetching more cash from a back office.

He ordered an employee to walk around the store yelling at them to go to a safe.

Police said he fled the store in an unknown direction.

Prior to the robbery, surveillance video captured the thief changing shoes outside.

He wore brown work boots before entering the store, but put on black shoes for the theft.

Police described the suspect as an 18-26 year old male of unknown race. He wore a gray hoodie, black pants, gloves and a mask.

Contact Crime Stoppers of Houston directly if you have any information related to this investigation. Information leading to the indictment and/or arrest of any crime suspect may result in a cash payout of up to $5,000. Tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers directly to remain anonymous and be considered for cash payment by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a tip online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the app mobile Crime Stoppers.

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