Cops hunt man who threw Molotov cocktail into Brooklyn store

NEW YORK - Police in Brooklyn are searching for a man who threw a gasoline bomb - commonly referred to as a Molotov cocktail - into a convenience store and injured a clerk, reports CBS New York.

The incident occurred around 1:55 a.m. Wednesday at a 24-hour mini-mart in Brooklyn, according to the station. Police said the 34-year-old male store clerk suffered only minor injuries despite his hair and clothes catching fire. By Wednesday night, he was at home in good condition.

An hour before the attack, authorities said the suspect entered the store and got into an argument with the employee.

The store's surveillance video captured a hooded man throwing the explosive substance into the mini-mart, CBS New York reports.

Police hope the footage will help to identify the suspect, who is described as a Hispanic male between 30 and 40 years of age, 5'8" to 5'10" in height, and was wearing dark sunglasses and a dark hooded sweatshirt.

The victim's co-worker, Fidel Perez, told CBS New York that he heard the explosion from the store's drink cooler and came out to find his fellow employee on fire. Perez said he grabbed two jugs of water and doused the flames.

Neighbors were equally stunned by the incident but grateful that the entire building didn't burn down.

"[The suspect] didn't think twice about what he was doing," Diana Soto told the station. "He didn't even consider anything, like people live upstairs. There's a lot of kids upstairs."

Those with information about the crime are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or text 'TIP577' to 274637 (CRIMES).