Armed robbery of popular eatery leads to neighborhood search
October 19, 2011
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Police Department
Santa Paula Police are investigating an armed robbery of a small popular restaurant where a lone gunman ordered employees to look away before he fled with cash, according to a SPPD spokesman.
Lt. Troyce Reynolds said the robbery occurred Sunday, October 9 at about 8:30 p.m. at La Casita Restaurant, located in the 100 block of West Main Street.
“Officers responded to an armed robbery” at the small restaurant, “and upon arrival they learned that a male Hispanic entered the business and displayed a handgun at the employees.” As one employee was handing the armed robber the money from the register, Reynolds said the gunman “ordered the others to look away... and then he fled the area in an unknown direction.”
Police suspected the robber might have fled to a townhouse complex located on Ventura Street just west of Palm Avenue. Although the area was searched, officers were unable to locate the suspect.
The amount of money the robber escaped with is not being released. No one was injured during the robbery.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Santa Paula Police Department, 525-4474. If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-4253-1-#.
Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by texting “Busted” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).
Crime Stopper Tips can also be sent via the website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can be eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
