A startling incident unfolded at a Phoenix-area Shake Shack, where an employee is accused of robbing his own workplace at gunpoint, only to return for his shift two days later, clad in his uniform. Keondre Simmons, 33, faces multiple charges in connection with the alleged early morning heist.
The Alleged Robbery Unfolds
According to court documents, the events began around midnight on August 3rd. Simmons, who was scheduled to work, reportedly called out sick. However, investigators believe he didn’t stay home. Instead, he allegedly returned to the Shake Shack located at Kierland Commons later that morning with a plan to rob the establishment.
The alleged crime began when an employee, expecting a delivery, opened a rear service door after hearing the delivery bell. To his shock, a suspect—later identified as Simmons—brandished a firearm. The suspect reportedly forced the employee into the restaurant and then marched him at gunpoint towards the walk-in cooler. The employee was then locked inside the frigid space.
Manager Forced to Comply
The suspect then turned his attention to the on-duty manager. Under the threat of the firearm, the manager was compelled to open the store’s safe. Police documents state that approximately $2,800 in various denominations was removed from the safe and placed into a black gun case that the suspect was carrying. Following the cash extraction, the manager was also forced into the walk-in cooler and locked in with the first employee.
Destruction of Evidence and Escape
After the co-workers were secured in the cooler, the suspect reportedly made his escape. However, according to investigators, he reappeared shortly thereafter. He then escorted both victims back to the office, forcing them to kneel at gunpoint. In an apparent attempt to prevent immediate reporting or tracking, the suspect confiscated both victims’ cellphones and the office landline. These devices were then reportedly destroyed by being thrown into a sink filled with water. The suspect then exited the business through the same rear delivery door he had initially used.
Identification and Arrest
Investigators were able to identify Simmons as the suspect based on the details provided by the victims and subsequent evidence. The investigation took a peculiar turn just two days after the robbery. Simmons allegedly returned to the Shake Shack, this time wearing his work uniform, apparently ready to resume his duties. It was at this point that police, who were on the scene, arrested him.
Confession and Charges
During questioning, Simmons reportedly admitted to discarding the clothing he wore during the robbery. He also indicated that the firearm used in the incident was located at his residence. He now faces serious charges, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, and kidnapping.
Legal Proceedings
Simmons is scheduled to appear in court on August 25th to face the charges stemming from this unusual alleged crime. The incident has raised questions about workplace security and the lengths to which an individual might go.
