Suspect at large after Aldi robbery led to lockdowns in Brookfield: "Unreal he was able to get away"



BROOKFIELD -- A suspect slipped away from police as first responders with several agencies surrounded an Aldi grocery store in Brookfield Saturday night, September 16th -- prompting lockdowns at nearby businesses. Though he remains at large after the Aldi armed robbery, customers told FOX6 they were grateful for the law enforcement response.

"You just have to be aware of all of your surroundings," a customer said at Aldi on Bluemound near Janacek Sunday.

Just hours earlier, a masked suspect terrorized people inside.

Armed robbery at Aldi in Brookfield



"I feel sad for everybody," a customer said.

A man who police say was armed with a handgun, was spotted by responding officers directing employees as he robbed the grocery store of money. Two employees were able to escape on their own, but a third victim, a customer, hid inside until officers were able to get her to safety. Meanwhile, Brookfield police along with eight other agencies responded and searched for the suspect.

Armed robbery at Aldi in Brookfield



"At first it was a little shocking," said Thomas Gibson, who was placed on lockdown at Best Buy. "They just kind of told us it wasn't safe. Outside, the police officer actually came to the door and told the manager at Best Buy not to let anybody leave because they didn't have the area fully secure, so they told us we just had to wait in there until they made sure everything was OK."

"I think the response was great," a customer said.

Armed robbery at Aldi in Brookfield



But they were discouraged that the suspect got away.

"I think that is unreal that he was able to get away," a customer said.

Police have described the suspect as a black man, who wore a baseball hat with a sticker on it, a bandanna covering his face, a black hooded sweatshirt over a white T-shirt and dark pants. He was carrying a black backpack and he was armed with a handgun.

Armed robbery at Aldi in Brookfield



It's believed he obtained an unknown amount of money from Aldi, and it's believed he may be connected to other area Aldi robberies.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information that could help Brookfield police is asked to call them at 262-796-3798.