Group of robbers targeting businesses on NW side of Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Police have a warning for business owners on the northwest side of Indianapolis.
Police are investigating two robberies believed to be connected to the same group of armed men.
The same group of three to five men targeted two Mexican businesses in two weeks. It happened during business hours with customers inside.
In one robbery, police said the suspect had a possible AK-47.
Surveillance cameras captured every second of the crime. Photos show the masked men walking into the businesses with guns already drawn.
“We got a group of group of suspects that are going around targeting Hispanic-run businesses, so grocery stores and restaurants,” said Lt. Richard Riddle, IMPD.
The most recent robbery happened at Los 3 Hermanos in the 4700 block of W. 34th Street near Lowry Road on Jan. 20.
Police said three suspects walked into the store with a semi-automatic gun and shotgun. A fourth suspect was seen on camera walking around outside as a possible lookout.
Employees told police the suspects put guns to their heads demanding everything in the register.
“It’s pretty brazen and violent these individuals are going in during regular business hours,” said Riddle. “They’re not going in after hours.”
Another robbery happened at Taqueria El Maguey restaurant in the 3900 block of N. High School Road near Westhaven on Jan. 14.
This time police said there were five suspects. One suspect can be seen wearing a red hat. Police said he was let in through the back door.
A kitchen staff told police he was held at gunpoint. The robbers got away with cash and valuables from customers.
“What’s concerning is in one of the robberies a shot was actually fired into the air during the course of the robbery,” said Riddle.
Meanwhile, some people working across the street say this crime is alarming.
“I got a family, a son at home you know and these people out here they don’t think any more,” said the store manager, who didn’t want to be identified. “They [are] just out here taking people’s lives for nothing.”
The store manager said his business was also targeted last year.
“All of a sudden two guys came in. One came in like with a big assault rifle and one came in with a handgun talking about, ‘Give me all your money,’” said the store manager.
No one was hurt in any of these cases.
Police are planning to meet with business owners Wednesday morning at IMPD’s northwest district headquarters to talk about crime and safety. The meeting starts at 9 a.m.
If you think you recognize the suspects you’re asked to call Crime Stoppers at (317) 262 -TIPS.
