NEW YORK (PIX11) – Police are searching for a group wanted for allegedly robbing two smoke shops in New York City.

The first incident happened at a smoke shop on Madison Street in the Lower East Side on Nov. 1. The group allegedly entered the store around 8:15 p.m., discharged pepper spray into a 22-year-old employee’s face, and stole $1,400 and a cellphone, according to authorities.

The employee was brought to NY Downtown Hospital for pain and burning in his eyes, police said.

The second incident happened at a smoke shop on Bogart Street in Williamsburg on Nov. 7. Police said the group allegedly entered the shop around 8:45 p.m., pepper-sprayed a 26-year-old employee and stole $300 and marijuana products.

The employee was treated by EMS for burning to his eyes, according to authorities.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.