A Newark robbery suspect tried to let his phone do the talking, and it went about as badly as it sounds. On Friday, Feb. 20, a man walked into Mi Rinconcito Ecuatoriano on the 100 block of South Street in the Ironbound, bought a cup of coffee and then used Google Translate to tell staff he was robbing the place, Newark police say. After threatening the cashier and struggling to pry the cash register loose, he threw the coffee at the employee and bolted, heading east on South Street toward Pennington Court. No physical injuries were reported.
Authorities later released surveillance photos of the suspect and said he threatened to kill the cashier if she did not open the register, according to NBC New York. The outlet reports that he was dressed in all black, including a black face covering, and that the register itself could not be removed from the counter, which appears to have foiled his plan.
Restaurant owner Maria told News 12 that the cashier on duty did speak English and that staff were badly shaken by the encounter. She said the suspect became increasingly angry when the cashier refused to hand over money and recalled telling the station, “We are left with fear, because…we think it can happen again.” Maria also said that after throwing the coffee, the man hurled a vase before running out of the restaurant.
Surveillance images and last known direction
Investigators released images showing a man in dark clothing and a black mask captured on store cameras. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him walking east on Tichenor Street toward Pennington Court, NBC New York reports. Police have not immediately announced any arrests and are asking nearby residents and business owners to review their phone recordings and security feeds. The Newark Ironbound is a busy morning corridor, and officers say anyone with dash-cam or doorbell video from that stretch could help the case.
Police appeal for tips
Newark police are urging anyone with information to call the department's Crime Stopper line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477), according to News 12. Tips can be made anonymously and may be eligible for a reward through the city’s tip line. The Newark Police Division is continuing to review video and canvass the area for additional witnesses as the investigation moves forward.
