Armed trio, one in a gorilla mask, seen on video robbing Family Dollar in Charlotte

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are searching for a man in a gorilla mask and two other masked assailants who robbed a Family Dollar on East Independence Boulevard.

Police video released to Observer news partner WBTV shows the man in the gorilla mask hopping over the counter with ease. As he struggles with the cash drawer, a robber with a gun threatens the clerk, WBTV reported. Other employees and some customers are seen leaving the store.

“He’s got a gorilla mask on, something I’ve never seen before,” CMPD Detective Brandon Miller told the station. “He’s very athletic.”

“They planned this out very good,” Miller said. “To have everyone know what role to execute – they put a lot of thought into this.”

The third robber held the door as the others entered the store. Police did not say what types of masks the second and third assailants wore under their hoodies.

In his interview with WBTV for the station’s “Crimes of the Week” Crime Stoppers report, Miller described the trio as a “very dangerous group.”

“Because everyone had their faces completely covered with the masks, this is why we need the public’s help to see if anyone recognizes these guys or knows anybody who has any masks like this,” Miller said. “We definitely need to get these guys off the street.”

Crime Stoppers will pay extra “if we can unmask these men through your help,” the station’s Paul Cameron said. Call 704-334-1600, and you can remain anonymous.

This story was originally published November 15, 2017 at 10:48 PM with the headline "Armed trio, one in a gorilla mask, seen on video robbing Family Dollar in Charlotte."