Melrose Park Restaurant Owner Robbed at Gunpoint Inside Venezuelan Eatery

MELROSE PARK, Illinois. — A restaurant owner in Melrose Park was held at gunpoint and robbed of approximately $10,000 worth of jewelry while customers dined just feet away, police said.

The incident occurred on May 12 at the Venezuelan restaurant on Lake Street known as the Express. Surveillance video captured the entire encounter, showing the suspect clearly with no mask or attempt to conceal his face.

According to the owner, who declined to show his face on camera but agreed to speak out, the suspect first entered the restaurant to have dinner, paid, and left. He returned twice more, each time asking to use the restroom. On the third visit, the situation escalated.

“After the third time he returns, he takes out his gun and points it at me and threatens to kill me,” the owner recounted. “I thought he was going to shoot me. When somebody pulls out a gun, it’s because they’re going to use it. I thought, God help me. I don’t wish that experience on anybody.”

The robber took an 18-karat Gucci chain weighing around 52 grams, a Gucci bracelet weighing 15 grams, and the owner’s law school graduation ring from Venezuela. The owner believes he was specifically targeted because of the visible jewelry.

“It’s an 18 karat Gucci chain, around 52g, a Gucci bracelet, 15g, and my law school graduation ring from Venezuela,” he said. The ring, a 2014 gift from his parents, holds deep sentimental value.

The owner, a Venezuelan immigrant who has been a U.S. resident for eight years, expressed additional dismay that the suspect appears to be from the same community and country. “It’s always a shame when it’s your own people doing these crimes,” he stated.

One customer quickly called 911 during the robbery. The owner said the suspect ordered him to the floor, but a customer later helped him up and confirmed the robber had fled.

Melrose Park police said no arrests have been made. Authorities have identified a suspect of interest they are actively pursuing and believe lives in the area.

The owner, who already had surveillance cameras throughout the restaurant, said he is relieved the incident was recorded. He added that he will no longer wear his gold chains in the future.

“Use this incident as a reminder to stay alert, informed and safe in your surroundings and community. If you have any information about the incident in this article – report it immediately to local law enforcement. Your tip could be the missing piece or make a huge difference.”