Pierce County Authorities Seek Armed Robbery Suspect
Pierce County deputies are currently on the lookout for a woman who brazenly robbed a local coffee stand in Tacoma, Washington, at gunpoint. The armed robbery occurred at Revive Coffee, a small business owned and operated by Peyton Jones, a local mom and entrepreneur. The robbery, which netted only $100, has left a deep scar on the community, with the business owner speaking out about the traumatic experience.
Caught on Camera: The Robbery Unfolds
The incident took place on Thursday morning, near the 512 On-ramp in Tacoma. Security cameras inside the coffee stand captured the terrifying moments as they unfolded. A woman, now the prime suspect, approached the drive-through window, brandishing a firearm, and threatened Jones and one of her employees. The footage shows the suspect demanding money while pointing the gun at the two women.
“Give me, give me,” the woman can be heard saying, her voice filled with urgency. As the situation escalated, the suspect shouted, “Hurry up, hurry up!” making it clear that she was willing to resort to violence if her demands were not met. The armed woman, along with an unidentified getaway driver, fled the scene with approximately $100 in cash. However, the impact of the crime extends far beyond the monetary loss.
A Community Staple Shaken
Peyton Jones, who has owned and operated Revive Coffee for nearly a decade, is a well-known figure in the local community. She purchased the business as a single mother, raising her daughter alongside running the coffee stand. Over the years, Jones has built a loyal customer base, treating her patrons like family. She prides herself on remembering not only their names and drink orders but also the details of their lives.
“I memorize people’s names, their drinks, what they did last weekend, what they have going on. Like these people are family,” Jones explained, underscoring the strong ties she has formed with her customers.
The robbery has left Jones and her employees shaken, with their sense of safety shattered. “I really felt like I was going to be shot,” Jones admitted, reflecting on the harrowing experience. Despite the danger, Jones returned to work later that day, driven by her responsibilities as a business owner and the need to provide for her family and employees.
A Plea for Justice and Change
In the aftermath of the robbery, Jones is not only seeking justice for herself and her staff but also raising awareness about the increasing crime in the area. She hopes that by sharing her story, the community will rally together to address the issue and support small businesses like hers.
“Something’s got to change, you know? I mean, that could have easily been a really bad day,” Jones said, her voice filled with emotion. The thought of her children potentially losing their mother is a reality that haunts her. “My kids could have had to bury their mom. You know, it’s just heartbreaking,” she added.
Jones is urging anyone with information about the robbery to come forward, either by contacting the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department directly or by reaching out to Crime Stoppers anonymously. She is determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice and to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Community Response and Support
As news of the robbery spread, the local community has begun to rally around Jones and her business. Customers and neighbors have expressed their shock and outrage, with many offering words of support and encouragement. Some have even suggested organizing fundraisers or community events to help Jones recover from the traumatic incident.
Jones remains focused on moving forward, despite the challenges. “I can’t take that time to, like, miss out on opportunities, you know, to pay our bills,” she said, highlighting the resilience that has defined her journey as a small business owner.
For now, the investigation continues as authorities work to track down the suspects. In the meantime, Jones and her community are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their sense of security.
Conclusion
The armed robbery at Revive Coffee serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by small business owners and the importance of community solidarity. As Pierce County deputies continue their search for the suspects, Peyton Jones and her supporters remain hopeful that justice will be served and that steps will be taken to ensure the safety of local businesses.
