South Lake Tahoe police investigate armed robbery Monday night at KFC
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 12/23/2014 - 12:24pm
South Lake Tahoe police are investigating an armed robbery that happened late Monday night at the KFC in the 3600 block of Lake Tahoe Boulevard.
No one was injured in the hold up, which happened at around 11:30 p.m. after the restaurant had closed. Several employees were in the building at the time and the suspect had already fled when officers arrived, said South Lake Tahoe Police Detective Jeff Roberson. The male suspect kept identifying face recognition and skin color covered. He is described as an adult male, five feet, 8 inches tall and about 130 pounds.
The suspect entered through the unlocked back door of the business and displayed a handgun. He yelled his demands and orders at the employees and then threatened to shoot them if they didn't comply. The suspect ordered one of the employees to surrender money to him, Roberson said.
After collecting an undisclosed amount of money the suspect immediately left through the same door through which he had entered, to the rear of the business. The suspect’s method of escape is not known from this point. No shots were fired.
Detectives are reaching out to other area law enforcement agencies to identify any similar cases which may assist in this investigation. Also, if anyone was a witness to this event, you are encouraged to contact the South Lake Tahoe Police Department at 530-542-6100 or Lake Tahoe Secret Witness at 530-541-6800.
Businesses are encouraged to take precautions to secure their premises from burglary and robbery at all times of the year. The police department of Portland Oregon has a helpful tip brochure available here to assist businesses in this effort.
Among the many helpful safety tips include staying aware that:
Robbers want one thing – your money or property – and they want it quickly. Robbery is a risky business and robbers are usually nervous. You do not want to delay a robbery in any way.
Do not risk your life, or another person’s life, for property.
Robberies often occur at predictable times. Opening and closing periods are particularly vulnerable times due to low staffing and large amounts of cash on hand. Lunch hours are primary times for the same reasons. Robberies increase during the holiday season due to the increased cash volume and the presence of large crowds that distract and preoccupy store and company personnel.
Report suspicious activity. If you observe someone, or an occupied vehicle, lingering around your business for a time, or in a manner that makes you suspicious or uncomfortable, write down the license number, color of the car and description of the individual(s) and call the police. Be sure to inform other employees of your suspicion.
Control access to the building. Keep all doors locked except the main entrance. Ask employees to use the main entrance.
Install a lock on the back room door that can be unlocked from the inside. Supply this room with an extra key, a phone and a panic button. This will enable an employee to summon help if locked in during a robbery.
Ensure that employees are present who are able to access any video recordings for police immediately.
