Shoe store robbed in W. Hempstead

A robber who said he was armed with a gun held up a Payless shoe store on Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead on Monday evening, threatening a female cashier and stealing cash, police said.

Police said the robber was in his 30s or early 40s, about 6-foot tall and wore a tan jacket, blue jeans and a tan skull cap. The suspect "stated he had a gun and demanded money from the register," police said -- though no gun was seen.

Police said the cashier complied with the request and said the robber took the cash and fled east onto Hempstead Turnpike. No customers were in the store at the time.

Police ask anyone with information about the robbery to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.