SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – According to Santa Barbara Police, a 19-year-old Santa Barbara man attempted to rob the Bella Rosa Galleries and Gillio Coins stores on Wednesday, and police responded immediately.
Business owner Alfonso Espino was working next to the Bella Rosa Galleries and Gillio Coins on Wednesday afternoon when he said he heard loud bangs.
“As I was leaving, I noticed people running out of the jewelry store. That kind of worried me. And I got the impression that there was some kind of burglary or something going on,” said Espino, the owner of Hempwise.
Espino said police arrived within minutes of his 911 call.
He caught a brief glimpse of the suspect.
“His face was covered, so it’s hard to really tell. He was wearing a hat and a bandana, but he wasn’t a big guy,” Espino said.
According to police, the 19-year-old man entered the State Street store with an air rifle and demanded jewelry.
He got into a bloody altercation with a co-worker.
“I heard loud yelling and heard them calling the police. We brought the people who came to the meeting inside and a woman from the store next door also came in to get some water and I calmed down,” said Makena Hardin, a barista at Dune Coffee Roasters.
Officers ended the altercation and the suspect and employee were taken to the hospital.
Even though the store was closed on Thursday, many people stopped by to check on the owner and those involved.
“I was worried because I know Joe and thought he might be hurt. I hope not,” said Steven Frank, who lives in Santa Barbara.
The 19-year-old was charged with six counts, including attempted robbery, burglary and assault.
His bail was set at one million dollars.
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