"We want to take action:" Restaurant owner offers $5K reward for info. leading to arrest in armed robbery
MILWAUKEE -- A man robbed a family-owned restaurant at gunpoint just south of 13th and Mitchell on the city's south side -- and it was all caught on camera. It happened in broad daylight -- during the lunch hour on Wednesday, January 4th, at Taqueria Los Gallos.
Taqueria Los Gallos
While no one was hurt, the owner told FOX6 News his family is certainly shaken up. He was out on a delivery at the time, but said both his wife and son were at the restaurant during the armed robbery.
As the meat sizzled on the stove and customers chatted at the counter, business at Taqueria Los Gallos would appear as usual on Thursday morning.
"Thank God we got back on our feet and we just have to come out here on a daily basis. Open up and serve people," said Francisco Hernandez, Taqueria Los Gallos owner.
Francisco Hernandez
But in between taco orders, Hernandez said he couldn't stop thinking about what happened the day before.
"It's not easy. We're still struggling with this drama in our heads," said Hernandez.
Officials say around 11:15 a.m., a customer walked into the restaurant and asked about the food.
Surveillance video shows the owner's wife hand the man a menu. The video shows their young son was nearby and two families, including one with another young child, were seated in the background.
Seconds later, the man pulled out a gun.
Robbery suspect sought on Milwaukee's south side
"He said 'put all your money in here.' He threw a bag, and he jumped over the counter and grabbed the helper, the cook and started to draw him to where the register is," said Hernandez.
After taking $300 from the register, the suspect then jumped back over the counter, and before leaving, he pointed his gun at a patron's head.
Robbery suspect sought on Milwaukee's south side
"We want to take action," said Hernandez.
Milwaukee police hope someone recognizes the man in the video.
Robbery suspect sought on Milwaukee's south side
Hernandez said he's even offering a $5,000 reward for the person who helps officers make an arrest.
Robbery suspect sought on Milwaukee's south side
"We want them to acknowledge that this is not a place where they are welcome to come and rob anybody," said Hernandez.
The suspect is described as a black man between the ages of 25 and 35, standing 6’ tall and weighing between 185 and 225 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black winter coat, black Nike gym shoes, and a white and black knit hat.
Anyone with information is asked to call Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360.