Clerk stabbed during robbery at Green Goddess Boutique in Bucktown

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A $10,000 reward is being offered in connection with the stabbing of a clerk at a women's clothing boutique in Bucktown. The store clerk's left hand was slashed during a struggle with the robber.

"Somewhere she tried to fend him off and grabbed the knife and got cut," said Elyce Rembos.

Elyce and Steve Rembos own The Green Goddess Boutique in the 1600-block of North Damen, where police said a man pretended to buy earrings around 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

"He laid money out, and when the cash drawer opened, I don't know if he climbed over the counter or lunged at her," Elyce Rembos said.

The robber ordered the 32-year-old worker into a bathroom, police said, so he could then perhaps search for a safe. But she refused.

"The cut that was on her hand was basically through this area here. Luckily it didn't affect any tendons or motion or things for her hand," Steve Rembos said.

The man fled to his car parked in an adjacent alley, passing a mother and daughter who were about to enter.

"She said 'Help! I've been robbed and I've been stabbed.' And she came out, she was really shook up, and she was bleeding everywhere. It was awful," said Kelly Puaker, who called 911.

"She has waited on me before, but I'll tell you something: she was really, God love her, she was in control," said Nancy Officer, who called 911.

The clerk was taken to St. Mary's Hospital. Later Wednesday afternoon, she came back to the store with her left hand bandaged. The store owners said their employee needed about 15 stitches, but she's going to be okay.

Police said the suspect got away with about $300. Police have only a vague description of him, but they say he was wearing a black hoodie and got into a red or burgundy four-door sedan.

The store owners and a neighborhood resident are offering a $10,000 reward for information.