Posted on 05/01/2002 12:21:36 PM PDT by mhking
Local News: Wednesday, May 01, 2002 Robbers earn extra cash by taking orders at Starbucks By Janet Burkitt The man and woman who robbed a Monroe Starbucks yesterday morning apparently weren't satisfied with what they found in the safe. After cleaning it out, they worked the store's drive-up window for about a half-hour, pocketing the cash, Monroe police say. About 5 a.m., the woman, believed to be about 24 years old, walked up to an employee who was setting up tables outside the Starbucks on U.S. Highway 2 and asked if she could use the restroom. While she was in the restroom, a man of about the same age entered the store, where three employees were on duty, police said. The pair walked behind the counter, pulled out guns and demanded the store manager open the safe. They took an undisclosed amount of money, according to Jan O'Neil, Monroe police administrative commander. The pair then locked the store's front doors, signaling customers to go to the drive-up window, she said. The man and woman then had one of the employees help them make drinks as they took orders and served customers at the window. In all, 18 to 25 cars pulled up while the robbers worked. There was no indication customers thought anything was amiss, O'Neil said. But "we heard that he makes a crummy cup of coffee," she said of the male robber. The pair drove away in a car described as a small, dark, four-door import, which had a round sticker in the upper-left back window. Nobody was injured during the robbery. The store closed briefly while police investigated, but reopened later yesterday, a Starbucks spokeswoman said. Police had not made an arrest yesterday afternoon, but O'Neil said the department had strong leads. She said the man and woman may have had experience working in the coffee business, as they seemed to have knowledge of coffee drinks. The woman was described as white, about 5-foot-11 and 140 pounds with short, dark hair. She was wearing a black fleece sweat shirt and multicolored leggings. The man was described as white, between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-7, 120 to 140 pounds with short dark hair, a pierced eyebrow and glasses. He wore a gray suit, blue shirt and black jacket with the word "Sniper" on one sleeve. Starbucks is offering $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the robbers. Anyone with information may call the police department during business hours at 360-794-6300. Messages also may be left on the department's 24-hour TipLine at 360-863-4600. Janet Burkitt can be reached at 206-515-5689 or jburkitt@seattletimes.com.
Copyright © 2002 The Seattle Times Company
Seattle Times Snohomish County reporter
Ha! Great lead - that last part makes up at least 75 percent of the area residents... :0)
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