Oklahoma City, OK – A man was arrested on Friday following an armed robbery at S & S Grocery on December 6th, where the suspect allegedly forced the store owner to assist in stealing an ATM.
According to police reports, Guadalupe Rosales entered the store near Agnew and SW 22nd Street and confronted the owner. After zip-tying the victim, Rosales attempted to steal the store’s ATM, but was unable to move the heavy machine on his own. Authorities say Rosales then pointed a firearm at the owner, demanding his help to load the ATM into a getaway vehicle.
The robbery was partially captured on surveillance footage, which showed the vehicle involved and provided police with a license plate number. The plate led authorities to a registered owner living near SW 27th and Shartel Ave., where they began their investigation.
Patrick Engle, a local resident and property owner, played a crucial role in helping police track down the suspect. Engle, who owns the home where the getaway car was later found, was putting up a Christmas tree at St. Mary’s Catholic High School when he learned that police were stationed outside his house. Realizing the connection between the car and the robbery, Engle contacted authorities, providing additional information that ultimately helped lead to Rosales’ arrest.
Engle told police that Rosales had borrowed a dolly and even his car prior to the robbery, suggesting that the dolly may have been used to help transport the ATM. Engle, who was familiar with Rosales, said he did not expect him to be involved in such a crime.
“I feel for the store owner,” Engle said. “He didn’t need a gun in his face.”
The ATM, which had been damaged in an apparent attempt to break into it, was eventually discovered in a nearby shed. Investigators believe Rosales tried to crack the machine but was unsuccessful.
Rosales, who was taken into custody later that day, faces multiple charges, including armed robbery and kidnapping. Authorities are continuing to investigate the details of the incident.
The arrest has brought a sense of relief to the local community, who were shaken by the brazen crime. S & S Grocery, a well-known neighborhood store, remains closed for repairs.
While the store owner has not been publicly identified, police confirmed that he was unharmed in the incident. The case is ongoing, and Rosales is expected to face formal charges in the coming days.
