Trader Joe’s Robbery Might be Connected to SoCal Crimes

A local Trader Joe’s grocery store was robbed at gunpoint this past Sunday evening, just months after eight other stores were hit in Southern California.

Santa Barbara Police are investigating an incident where numerous subjects armed with rifles held employees at gunpoint inside the 222 N. Milpas location. 

The suspects gained entry into the store around 10:30 p.m. on June 3. The store closes at 9:00 p.m. and there were no customers inside at the time, but it’s unclear how they gained access to the building. The suspects then reportedly fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.

There are no reports of injuries or arrests involved with this crime.

It’s unclear whether this armed robbery is related to similar ones taking place across Southern California. The Trader Joe’s robberies began in the Long Beach area this past February with the last one taking place on April 22. So far there have been eight Trader Joe’s robberies in total with stores in Culver City, Irvine, Long Beach, and Los Angeles being targeted. 

Authorities have released a sketch of the suspect, and the city is offering a $15,000 reward for information that may lead to his arrest and conviction, reports the LA Times. 

The Santa Barbara Police Department has not confirmed whether this robbery is related to those further south.