Clerk's faith prevents robbery

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida clerk targeted by a gunman said her faith forced that suspect to leave the store empty-handed.

Surveillance video captured the drama-- complete with audio-- as it unfolded. It showed the robber crumbling after hearing out the Christian clerk.

Nearly a week later, 20-year-old Nayara Goncalves, the manager of the Metro PCS store, still cannot explain the calm that possessed her in those terrifying seconds. She said it was divine intervention. "I don't think it was me. It was some angel or God or something," she said.

Robber: "I hate to do this, but I need the money in the register."

Clerk: "I have no money, I just opened."

Robber: "Don't get scared."

Clerk: "I'm not."

Robber: "Stay nice and calm."

Clerk: "You can do whatever you want. I'm going to talk to you about the Jesus I have."

Robber: "What?"

Clerk: "The Jesus I got, before you leave."

Robber: "God bless you for that."

Clerk: "I'm Christian."

Robber: "So am I, and I absolutely hate doing this."

Clerk: "I don't know if you have a family."

Robber: "That's why I'm doing this."

Clerk: "I can help you find a job."

Robber: "I have a job."

Clerk: "Why are you doing this?"

Robber: "Because I'm going to be evicted if I don't come up with $300."

Then the would-be robber asked the 20-year-old if she owned the store.

Robber: "Then I wouldn't be hurting you. I'm sorry, I have to take every cent. I'm sorry."

Clerk: "They will charge me for it."

Robber: "They'll charge you for it?"

Clerk: "I'm the one responsible."

After that, the armed gunman had a change of heart.

Robber: "I don't want to do that to you, I'm sorry."

But before he left, he told the clerk, "God bless you. You want to know something? It's not real. It's a BB gun."

"He didn't do anything and I'm very thankful to God first and then him," said Goncalves.

The Broward Sheriff's Office is searching for the subject and are prepared to charge him with attempted armed robbery.

If you have any information on this crime, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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