CMPD: Five people rob popular Park Road Shopping Center restaurant

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Five people are on the run after a violent armed robbery in a busy south Charlotte shopping center, police said.

Five robbers entered the Asian restaurant CO just after midnight Sunday and held two employees at gunpoint, according to police.

Employees told police the robbers got away with cash.

Channel 9 anchor Liz Foster went into the restaurant Tuesday and talked to an employee. He declined an interview on camera but said the restaurant did hand over surveillance video to police. He also said they're discussing how to prevent the restaurant from being a target again.

"It's concerning, definitely," said shopper Caitlyn Quisol.

The restaurant is one of 57 businesses in the Park Road shopping center where families often come.

"With kids, I've got a daughter and wife. It's pretty shocking," John Rockas told Channel 9.

"This is a generally safe area for us to come, so it's obviously not common," Quisol said.

Channel 9 crime mapped the area and learned that it was the only violent crime within a half-mile of the shopping center in the last four weeks.

[LINK: CMPD Crime Mapping]

Quisol said the violent crime is frightening, but it won't keep her from coming to the area to shop. Still, she hopes it doesn't happen again.

“I hope the suspects are found so that people around here have peace of mind," she said.

Liz asked police if they have a description of the five robbers. They responded the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

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