Homer Police continue to investigate an armed robbery Monday morning of the Fat Olive’s Espresso. Police also seek any information potential witnesses might have on the crime.
According to a press release, about 10:05 a.m. Dec. 28, a white man entered the espresso shop in the same building as Fat Olive’s Restaurant on Ohlson Lane, brandished a handgun and told the sole employee, a woman, to go into the bathroom and shut the door. The man then stole an undisclosed amount of cash.
Police described the man as being in his mid-20s, about 140 pounds and between 5-feet-4-inches and 5-feet-7-inches tall. The man wore a black balaclava ski mask with only the nose and eyes showing. He also wore an oversized brown camouflage jacket and baggy blue jeans.
“I certainly hate the idea that some guy pulled a gun on some young barrista’s face and scared the hell out of her,” said Tiny Nolan, owner with his wife, Lisa, of Fat Olive’s Espresso and Fat Olive’s Restaurant.
Officers and Alaska State Troopers responded within 5 minutes of the call, said Homer Police Sgt. Lary Kuhns, but could not find the suspect.
The woman called 911 as soon as she heard the robber trigger a door chime on the front door and leave.
Other than being shaken up, the woman did not suffer any physical injuries.
Police are actively pursuing the investigation, Kuhns said, and are trying to get video footage from nearby businesses that could develop leads. Police do not know if the robber left by foot or car.
Nolan said Fat Olive’s Restaurant and the Rum Locker Liquor Store were both closed at the time of the robbery. Nolan said the robber wasn’t rough or mean with the barrista. The robbery was over within minutes, he said. The young woman didn’t attempt to resist the robber.
Anyone with information on the robbery or who might have seen something suspicious in the area at the time is asked to call Homer Police at 235-3150. Confidential tips can be made to Crimestoppers at 800-478-HALT (478-4258). Crimestoppers offers a reward of $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.
