MIRAMAR, Fla. – Nicotine cravings cause anger, frustration and irritability. This could be why a man who wanted a pack of cigarettes was willing to terrify a couple of women in Miramar when he didn't get it.
The surveillance video detectives released on Thursday shows an ax-wielding man walking into the 7-Eleven at 11150 Pembroke Road.
"The suspect walked behind the counter and continued to yell at the store clerk to sell him the cigarettes," Miramar police spokeswoman Tania Rues said.
The man -- who is about about 6 feet 2 inches tall -- was angry after an employee refused to sell him the cigarettes and requested his identification. The man said he was going back to his truck to get it, but he lied.
Instead, he came back to terrify them.
While holding an ax, his panicked companion rushed inside, yelling, "No! No! No! What are you doing?"
Witnesses said the man's companion managed to avert a tragedy and the two left in a white truck that was towing a trailer with tree trimmings.
Police officers investigating the Saturday incident were asking anyone with information to call the Miramar Police Department at 954-764-4357 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.