Early on Sunday morning, a brash burglary attempt at Maico Restaurant in Tucson ended with the perpetrator behind bars. At approximately 5 a.m., a man later identified as Victor Lopez, 24, was captured on security cameras hurling rocks at the establishment’s ordering window in an audacious attempt to abscond with the cash register, AZ Family reported.
The restaurant, nestled near 22nd and Park, had its calm disturbed when Lopez reportedly tried, and failed to pry the register from its place. While he managed to break the window, he was stymied by security bars that thwarted his plan. "I get up to get my coffee and I find my window is broken and my cash register is on the floor all broken," owner Ramon Becerra told AZ Family in a statement that underscored the unexpected nature of the incident. Tucson Police Department later apprehended Lopez, charging him with the break-in along, with serving outstanding warrants.
Lopez's efforts proved futile as the cash drawer was securely locked, leaving him to wrestle with it in vain as showcased in the recorded footage. Despite the criminal disruption, by 6 a.m., Becerra steadfastly opened his doors, ready to serve his customers with a pledge that orders would be ready "in a few minutes," according to an interview with cargreen.es.
The local community rallied around Maico, a restaurant that has served as a neighborhood staple for 12 years. Loyal customer Bradley Rhea expressed his dismay to cargreen.es, "Especially if you put so much time and love into your business, I mean if that’s what you do and if that’s what keeps you at heart, and someone is disrespectful, it’s not great." The financial blow from the broken window and damaged register amounted to roughly $500, but Becerra's concern extended to his employees and the broader implications for small business owners.
While Tucson police continue their investigation, the community’s earnest hope for justice remains fervent. Resident Myron Crowe, reflecting the sentiments of many, hopes for rightful consequences for the culprit, saying, "I hope the guy who did this and tried to break in, I hope he gets justice," in a sentiment echoed by others informed by the security footage of the ill-fated burglary, provided by News 4. Meanwhile, police encourage anyone with information to step forward and contact 88-CRIME to assist in the case.
