An ATM employee who had just reloaded funds at an ATM inside Allegra’s restaurant and was heading back to his van was pistol whipped by a group of men who forced him into his van where he was ordered to open up a safe and turn over thousands of dollars.
The robbery, which occurred in broad daylight at Lakeview Plaza, left the employee dazed and bleeding from his forehead as he sought help near his Mercedes van, which was in the parking lot, about 15 feet from Allegra’s. A woman came to his aid, giving him tissue wipes to absorb the blood on his face. An ambulance was called and he was taken to a local hospital.
His white truck, (see top photo) which had sliding doors and no business logo, was left sitting in the lot after he was taken to the hospital. .
According to police, the robbery occurred after 12:30 p.m. at 249 West Main St., the address of Lakeview Plaza. It was lunch hour and witnesses observed the crime scene in the parking lot from their storefront windows.
The victim, whose name was not released, told police he had been assaulted by either three or four tall, thin, black males “who struck him with a hand gun, ultimately forcing him to relinquish access to a large sum of money,” police later said in a press release.
Branford P.D.
Getaway car
The group fled in a four-door white compact Chevrolet. Detectives are asking the public for help in identifying the getaway car, which was photographed by cameras installed in and around the area.
Marcia Chambers Photo
While there were some news reports that the robbery took place at Allegra’s, several sources told the Eagle that it took place outside and inside the van in the parking lot.
Police did not say how much cash was stolen but it is believed to be about $40,000. Their investigation continues.
One theory is that the ATM driver was followed to the Lakeview Plaza shopping area, which houses a number of shops.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Branford Police Department at 203 – 481-4241 or contact the Branford Crime Tip Line at 203 – 315-3909.
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