Law enforcement and a nonprofit organization are seeking a man accused of robbing a toy store in Mesa, Arizona, at gunpoint while three children were present. According to a joint news release by Silent Witness and the Mesa Police Department on July 7, the incident took place at Teddy Bears El Paraiso on April 16, around 1:30 p.m.
Surveillance footage, shared by the nonprofit, captures a masked man entering the store and positioning himself at the back. After waiting for approximately 40 seconds, the individual proceeds to the checkout counter, brandishing a handgun and ordering all customers, including the children, to gather in a corner of the store.
As per the release, the suspect then instructs an employee behind the counter to hand over cash and checks. Eliseo Francisco, the store’s manager, recounted the terrifying moment, stating: “When he pointed the gun at me, I knew he would shoot me if I didn’t give him what he wanted. At that moment, I prayed to God to help me because it was life or death.”
While the cashier complies with the demands and hands over the money and checks, an additional customer enters the store. The gunman orders the newcomer to join the others in the corner, as seen in the video.
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After shaking out the contents of the cash register onto the counter, the assailant swiftly retreats and leaves the premises. Reports indicate that the suspect escaped with around $800.
