A Phoenix Shake Shack employee is facing armed robbery, aggravated assault and kidnapping charges after allegedly robbing the restaurant where he worked. Investigators say the suspect held two co-workers at gunpoint, took about $2,800 and locked them inside a walk-in cooler. The alleged robbery occurred at the Kierland Commons location on Aug. 3, and police arrested the suspect two days later after he reportedly returned in his work uniform. He is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 25.
The allegations are detailed in court documents, and the charges remain pending. Police said the incident began after an employee heard a delivery bell and opened a rear door, believing a scheduled delivery had arrived.
| 1) | Alleged robbery at the Phoenix restaurant |
| 2) | Employees allegedly held at gunpoint |
| 3) | Money and communication devices taken |
| 4) | Suspect allegedly returns in uniform |
| 5) | Charges and upcoming court appearance |
Alleged robbery at the Phoenix restaurant
According to court documents, Keondre Simmons, 33, allegedly called out of work around midnight on Aug. 3 before appearing later that morning at the Shake Shack in Kierland Commons, a retail and dining development in Phoenix. Investigators say he entered through the rear delivery area and used a firearm during the incident.
Police said the first employee encountered the suspect after hearing a bell and opening the rear door. The employee reportedly believed a scheduled delivery had arrived, but investigators say the person at the door instead pointed a firearm and ordered the employee inside.
Employees allegedly held at gunpoint
The employee was allegedly escorted to the walk-in cooler and locked inside. Police said the on-duty manager was then forced into an office and ordered to open the restaurant’s safe while under threat of the firearm.
After the manager removed the cash, investigators said the suspect placed both workers in the cooler and locked the door. The victims eventually escaped, according to police, but the suspect allegedly returned moments later and brought them back to the office. They were reportedly ordered to kneel at gunpoint.
Police wrote that the suspect forced both victims into the cooler and successfully locked the door.
Money and communication devices taken
The safe contained approximately $2,800 in mixed denominations, according to the court documents. Investigators said the money was placed in a black container described as resembling a gun case, which the suspect carried during the alleged robbery.
Police also said the suspect took the victims’ cellphones and the office landline. The devices were allegedly thrown into a sink filled with water and damaged, an action investigators said prevented the workers from using those communication methods before the suspect left through the rear delivery door.
Suspect allegedly returns in uniform
Investigators later identified Simmons as the alleged suspect. Two days after the robbery, he reportedly returned to the same restaurant wearing his work uniform, where police arrested him.
Court documents state that Simmons later told investigators he had discarded the clothing worn during the incident. He also reportedly said that a firearm was inside his residence. Those statements are part of the allegations described in the case records and have not been established at trial.
Charges and upcoming court appearance
Simmons faces charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault and kidnapping in connection with the Phoenix incident. The charges reflect allegations that a firearm was used, that the employees were threatened and that they were confined during the robbery.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 25. The criminal case remains active, and the allegations will be addressed through the court process. No finding of guilt has been made.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The alleged robbery occurred Aug. 3 at a Shake Shack in Phoenix. |
| 2 | Two employees were allegedly threatened and confined. |
| 3 | Approximately $2,800 and communication devices were allegedly taken. |
| 4 | Keondre Simmons was arrested after allegedly returning in uniform two days later. |
Summary
The allegations describe an armed robbery carried out at the Phoenix restaurant where Simmons worked, including the confinement of two co-workers and the theft of approximately $2,800. His reported return to the location in uniform two days later led to his arrest. Simmons now faces three criminal charges and is expected in court on Aug. 25, where the allegations will proceed through the justice system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the case?
Keondre Simmons, 33, was arrested in connection with the alleged robbery, according to court documents.
What was allegedly stolen?
Police said approximately $2,800 in cash was taken from the restaurant’s safe. Investigators also said the victims’ cellphones and the office landline were taken and damaged.
When is the next court appearance?
Simmons is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 25. The charges remain allegations unless and until they are proven in court.