A suspect displays his chest with the word “Islam” tattooed on it during a robbery in Jamaica, police said. View Full Caption NYPD

QUEENS — A religious robber asked a Jamaica cellphone store worker not to report a holdup, claiming they were both Muslim as he held up his shirt to reveal the word "Islam" tattooed on his chest, police said.

According to investigators, the suspect stole nearly $800 from 111 Wireless and More last December and even shook the victim's hand before leaving during the bizarre incident.

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The suspect walked into the store on Merrick Boulevard, near 111th Avenue, on Dec. 4 at 6:35 p.m. saying that he wanted to pay his phone bill, officials said.

But shortly after, sources said, he whipped out a small black revolver and said: “No one needs to get hurt. Just give me the money.”

A man stole $780 from a phone store in Jamaica last December, police said. View Full Caption NYPD

The clerk forked over $780, police said, but the man demanded more cash and iPhones, sources said.

When the clerk said the store didn’t have any iPhones, the man said: “We are both Muslim. We are supposed to support each other,” according to sources.

“Please don’t call the police and report me,” he allegedly said.

The suspect then lifted his shirt showing his chest with the word “Islam” tattooed on it, police said.

It was not immediately clear what language the word was written in and whether the clerk was indeed a Muslim.

The suspect then shook hands with the clerk, sources said.

But before fleeing westbound on 111th Avenue, the robber warned the clerk, “Please don’t report me. I’m going to come back again,” the sources said.

No one was injured in the incident, police said.

A store manager said Tuesday that the clerk quit shortly after the incident, because he didn't feel safe working there.

Police described the suspect as being approximately 35 years old, 6 feet tall and about 220 pounds.

The man, who had dark braids, was wearing a black beret, green jacket, camouflage pants and black sneakers, authorities said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.



All calls are strictly confidential.