Female robber hits Everett espresso stand

Published 8:54 pm Thursday, June 9, 2011

EVERETT — Nicole Keller wants to warn other baristas to watch out for a female robber.

Keller, 19, was working at an espresso stand along Broadway in north Everett on Sunday morning. She said a woman walked into the stand through an unlocked door and threatened her with a knife. The two ended up wrestling in the parking lot because the robber also tried to make off with Keller’s purse.

The robber ended up losing most of her disguise during the scuffle, but she managed to get away with Keller’s wallet and money from the coffee stand.

There was a witness who helped the barista, and the case remains under investigation, Everett police Sgt. Robert Goetz said.

There’s no indication the robber has hit other stands, but it’s unusual to have a female robber with a weapon, he said. The robber was wearing a bandanna over her face, sunglasses and a ball cap.

During the struggle, the robber lost some of her getup, Goetz said. At some point, a witness intervened and held the robber down while Keller called for help. Unfortunately, the man didn’t stick around to talk with police, Goetz said.

Cops poured into the area. A police dog was used in the search but was unsuccessful, Goetz said.

Keller has since quit work at the stand. Still, she is worried that others may not be as able to protect themselves.

“Just be careful,” she said.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com