Afternoon at Las Tortugas on Peoria Street took a hard turn when a would-be robber pulled a gun, only to have an employee wrestle it away and pin the suspect down until Aurora police got there. Shots were fired inside the small restaurant, the suspect was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries, and officials say no other customers or staff were hurt. The shop briefly shut its doors, then reopened to diners around 6 p.m. Police called it an armed robbery in progress that ended thanks to quick action behind the counter.
Employee Disarms Suspect Inside Torta Shop
According to KDVR, Aurora police say the suspect allegedly robbed employees and customers at gunpoint before things turned physical. The department's public information officer told the station that shots were fired inside the restaurant at 712 Peoria St. Officers took the suspect into custody at the scene and started interviewing shaken witnesses. Police say the staff member who grabbed the weapon held the suspect until officers secured the area.
Las Tortugas at 712 Peoria St.
Las Tortugas is listed at 712 Peoria St., per Visit Aurora. The compact counter-service spot is a neighborhood fixture and hit pause on orders after the incident before resuming service later that evening. Customers inside were rattled but, according to police, uninjured. Officers stayed at the restaurant while investigators documented the scene.
Police Response and Investigation
Per KDVR, Aurora police say the suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment while detectives began sorting out what charges might follow. The department did not immediately release the suspect's name or offer a motive. Officials are asking anyone with video or information to contact Aurora detectives as the investigation moves forward. Prosecutors will decide on any criminal charges after investigators hand over their findings.
The ordeal highlights the risk that service-industry workers shoulder when armed robberies erupt and the split-second decisions that can keep others from getting hurt. Aurora police say more information will be released as the case develops. For now, Las Tortugas is open, and regulars are keeping an eye out for updates while authorities finish their work.
