Violent Wendy's robbery video released

MIRAMAR, Fla. (WSVN) -- Authorities have released a video of an armed robbery at a fast food restaurant.

It happened only five blocks away and less than 24 hours after a similar brazen robbery. Police suspect at least one robber may link both robberies.

The new video captured the robber inaction at a Wendy's located at 3750 Utopia Drive, at around 10 a.m., Tuesday. According to police, two armed men pistol-whipped a 22-year-old male employee, pushing and dragging him to the kitchen.

The victim's grandmother, Reverend Vernay Johnson, said her grandson was shaken when he called her after the crooks had fled. "He said, 'Grandma, get to Wendy's,' and he was crying. He sounded hysterical, so I didn't know if he was shot or what was going on," she said.

Miramar Police spokesperson Tania Rues shared the video Wednesday and noted the gun in the hand of one of the robbers. "You have hard-working individuals that were just trying to earn a living at Wendy's ... that get subjected to these two individuals," she said.

On Monday, just five blocks away, at Sam's West Indian Products, located at 3156 South University Drive, two armed men attacked the store owner. The owner was able to fight back and fired several shots. Detectives are not sure if the blood found on the scene was due to one of the suspects being shot or from broken glass.

Police have not ruled out whether the two robberies are connected. "Are these two individuals the same ones that committed the robbery before?" asked Rues. "We're not sure. There is a possibility that they may be working together."

Detectives said, in Monday's robbery, the two suspects fled the scene in a newer model burgundy Cadillac CTS with possibly a third person at the wheel. The right front wheel had a spare tire on at the time of the robbery, police said.

Police are working to see if these robberies are connected. If you have any information on these robberies, 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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