Suspect sought who robbed Mesa toy store: Silent Witness

MESA, Ariz. - An armed man accused of robbing a Mesa toy store with children present is being sought by authorities.

"It was a scary moment," said Mesa Police Sergeant Jamey Cox.

According to Silent Witness, the incident happened on April 16 at Teddy Bears El Paraiso, located near Horne and Brown. During the robbery, the suspect allegedly pulled out a semi-automatic gun and pointed it at an employee and customers.

"The suspect ordered all customers to a corner area of the sales floor and demanded checks and cash from the employee," Silent Witness said.

The suspect fled the scene with money and checks.

"He showed a handgun to kids in the middle of the afternoon, in a toystore. So to us, he’s dangerous, he’s armed, and we need to find him," said Sgt. Cox.

Store employee speaks out

The robbery still rattles Eliseo Franciso, who was working at the store when the robbery happened.

"Everytime someone came into the door, I [feel] like it was someone [who was there] to rob me," said Franciso.

Franciso said his son was among the children who was standing at the store, near a wall of teddy bears, when the robbery happened. The suspect, according to Franciso, demanded more money, or he would shoot.

"I gave him everything so [he] wouldn’t hurt anyone," said Franciso.

Franciso said the store had a lot of money on hand, and he feels this was why the store was targeted. Since the incident, the store has taken precautions, including the installation ofg Cates behind the register.

The suspect is described as being 5'7" to 5'9" tall and weighs 150-160 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans, a long-sleeved orange shirt, a black baseball cap, a black mask, a red bandana, a black glove on his left hand, and gray sneakers with white stripes.

If you have any information, you're asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS, or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish.

Area where the store is located: