Robbers Duct-Tape, Handcuff Workers In Failed Heist
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (STMW) -- A trio of employees working at a Northwest Indiana Portillo's were handcuffed and duct-taped during a failed robbery attempt around 11 p.m. Sunday.
The two suspected would-be robbers fled the restaurant, but were eventually caught nearby, Merrillville police told the Post-Tribune.
Officers were responding to two panic alarms at Portillo's restaurant, 555 E. 81st Ave., when they confronted two men about to run out the front doors of the restaurant.
According to police, when the suspects saw the officers, they turned around and ran out the rear of the store.
One suspect headed north to a Shell gas station, where he was caught. The other suspect was apprehended behind Staples, where he fought with an officer, police said.
The second suspect's head hit the pavement during the fight and was taken to Methodist Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. He was released later that day.
Police said the suspects had forced the restaurant manager to open a safe and had taken the cash inside.
Both culprits were transported to Lake County Jail pending formal charges.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
