Men in Breathing Masks, Goggles Rob Jewelry Store After Claiming Environmental Problem in the Area

Two men wearing breathing masks and safety goggles walked into a New Jersey jewelry store Monday and said there was an environmental emergency before they pulled a gun, tied up the workers and robbed the store, police said.

The men walked into Aydin Coins & Jewelry in Ramsey at about 11:20 a.m., wearing the equipment, according to Chief Bryan Gurney.

They said they were from the FBI and that there was an environmental issue in the area. 

But then one of them brandished a semi-automatic weapon, Gurney said.

The pair then restrained the three workers with zip ties, and the men robbed the store.

They took jewelry and cash and fled on foot, police said.

The victims ran to a nearby business and yelled for help, their arms still tied behind their backs.

"It was like a scary moment because we didn't think of such a thing happening here," said a neighboring worker who helped them.

No arrests have been made.

--Roseanne Colletti contributed to this story

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