Smash-and-grab thieves target pawn shop

HOUSTON – A group of men wielding guns and sledgehammers robbed an east Houston pawn shop on Wednesday.

Houston police said the men barged into the EZ Pawn on the East Freeway near Lockwood just after 1 p.m.

The men hit the glass counters with the sledgehammers, grabbed as much jewelry as they could and then took off.

Several customers and employees were inside the store at the time of the robbery.

"Anytime you have multiple suspects armed with handguns, putting citizens and worker in fear for their lives, it's essential we get them off the streets as soon as possible," Officer Ken Nealy said.

Police said they were looking at surveillance footage to try to get descriptions of the men.

The men got away in a newer-model, black Dodge Charger.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.