Coin store employee recounts frightening robbery

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate a robbery near the Bristol Farms in Palm Desert.

Deputies said two men entered Ed’s Coin store around 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

Store owners nearby said one suspect restrained the employee while another took a number of items.

The employee working during the robbery wished to remain anonymous but wanted to share his story.

“They told me to get down, I got down and they came around and restrained me,” the employee said.

He said all day Friday he couldn’t stop thinking about what happened.

“It was not easy, it was hard and it seemed like it took forever,” the employee said.

He’s not sure how much the thieves stole but he thinks the men scoped out the store.

Customers need to be buzzed in before they enter, which puts employees in a tough position.

“If you see them and you don’t let them in they could have an issue like ‘Why aren’t you letting me in?’ You know it’s not bad businesses but it’s not good business either,” the employee said.

Business owners nearby said the thing that troubles them the most was that the robbery happened in broad daylight.

“A little apprehensive to say the least. I hope they catch them and I hope they stay away,” said Elaine Hormiotis a receptionist at Reverse Mortgage Works.

It’s not an area where you hear about too much crime.

“Always kinda quiet and they forget to lock their doors and nobody bothers anything,” said Kathryn Daher, a groomer at Go Doggy.

The Sheriff’s Department said the investigation is still on going, but it’s working hard to find the two suspects.

Until then, businesses in the area said they’re keeping their doors open.