Kent Police are looking for a man who recently robbed two espresso stands in Kent as well as stands in Federal Way and Sumner.
The first robbery attempt failed on Saturday, June 24, in the 20900 block of 108th Avenue Southeast in the Panther Lake area, according to a Kent Police media release. But the same man reportedly robbed a stand a few minutes later in the 1200 block of Central Avenue North.
On Sunday, June 25, the man returned to the Panther Lake stand and this time robbed it. Investigators have identified that the same suspect is also responsible for robberies on Monday, June 26, of espresso stands in Federal Way and in Sumner.
Barista employees described the suspect as being a thin white male, in his early 20s, wearing large sunglasses and an Afro-type wig with a fake beard. It was reported that he pointed a gun at the baristas, made threats to shoot and demanded money. The suspect was described as possibly having a Ukrainian/Russian accent. In each incident the suspect was given an undisclosed amount of cash.
“One quick-thinking employee was able to snap a photo of the suspect’s truck that he was operating while he was driving away,” said Kent detective Melanie Robinson.
The truck has been identified as a stolen tan or gold colored 2005 Ford F-350 crew cab with a California license plate of 42431B1. The truck has distinguishing characteristics that include a lift kit, a dark-colored tailgate, a front brush guard and a spotlight at the driver’s side window. The same truck has been described in each robbery.
“We believe he is purposefully hitting espresso stands that have female employees that are working alone, which is of great concern,” Robinson said.
Police investigators are working to identify the involved suspect and locate the involved vehicle but need the public’s help. Anyone with information regarding these incidents or anyone who spots the vehicle should call 911 or the Kent Police Department tip line at 253-856-5808.
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