NEW YORK CITY — A fleet-footed bandit satisfied his appetite for cash during the lunch rush at a Long Island City diner Monday, police and employees said.
The man was caught on surveillance tape sneaking in the side door where deliveries are made at the Court Square Diner at 45-30 23rd St. about 11:50 a.m, according to Nick Kanellos, whose brother owns the eatery.
The suspect made straight for the restaurant's office and grabbed $6,000, Kanellos said.
"It was very fast," said Kanellos. "He knew exactly where to go. It must have been someone who knew the place."
The owner, Steve Kanellos, realized the money was gone 10 minutes later, his brother said.
"He flipped out," Nick Kanellos said.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 27463 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.