Armed Robbers Storm Jewelry Store in Queens, Threaten Workers: NYPD

Armed robbers stormed a jewelry store in Queens Tuesday evening, shaking up neighbors and nearby business owners as police swarmed the scene. 

Police said a group of armed robbers went into the Kunal Jewelers store near 37th Avenue and 74th Street in Jackson Heights and held workers at gunpoint. They were scared off when an employee ran to the back and tripped the alarm, but got away with handfuls of jewelry, police said. 

A friend of the family that owns the store said "they're really shaken, no doubt."

"The father was hit in the back, they hit him with the butt of the gun," said Thomas Koshoi, though police say there are no reports of any injuries. 

Police shut down nearby streets as they searched for the suspects.

Authorities said early Wednesday that two people were taken hostage during the robbery, refuting earlier reports on Tuesday night that there was no hostage situation. Details about the taking of hostages weren't immediately known.

Nearby business owners said this isn't the first time the jewelry district has been targeted. 

"We've been demanding police presence in this area so business owners will be safe here, so people can do their business," said Zarakia Maseud.

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