Hercules police arrested a suspect in a tip jar theft at a Hercules taqueria who also allegedly threatened an employee who confronted him about the crime.
Officers were dispatched to Mazatlan Taqueria & Grill at the Willow Shopping Grand Ave Center at 8:49 p.m. Friday, May 16. An employee recognized the suspect, described as a regular of the business, when he entered wearing a medical mask on his face. He reportedly stole the tip jar containing about $200.
“When confronted outside by the employee, the suspect made a threatening motion toward his waistband, causing the employee to fear for her safety,” police said.
The suspect fled in a sliver Nissan Murano, but police were able to identify him as a Hercules resident who was currently on Postrelease Community Supervision and who had an outstanding warrant. The suspect was positively identified in a sequential photo lineup. Later in the evening, a Flock camera notification led officers to his vehicle. Despite an attempt to evade, according police, the suspect was taken into custody at his home.
“Items of evidence were located in the vehicle, including clothing matching the robbery and a medical mask,” police said.
The suspect was booked at Martinez Detention Facility for robbery, his outstanding warrant, and PRCS violations.
