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MILLCREEK — Police are searching for the man responsible for a violent robbery at a business in Millcreek.
The robber tied up and assaulted six people. However, police and neighboring business owners don't believe the crime was random.
Noemi Dargalaye owns a business near 970 East and 3300 South that ships parcels to Central and South America. She was working late Monday night and noticed a lot of cars at the neighboring Happy Life Club, which specializes in Herbalife products.
"It looks like (Monday) night there was a big meeting," she said. "Usually this business doesn't make too much money but because (of) the meeting, probably there was some money."
Dargalaye left her business around 8:30 p.m. About an hour and a half later, a man showed up and committed a violent robbery at the neighboring business.
"(The) suspect pulled a gun, held it to one of the victim's heads and had that victim duct tape the rest of the people inside the business to chairs," explained Unified Police Lt. Brian Lohrke.
He said all the victims were punched in the face. The owner of the club told a nearby business owner that some victims were pistol whipped as well.
"A lot of people threaten violence and it's still scary for the victims. But when they actually carry out that act of violence, it is another level," Lohrke said.
The robber stole money and car keys, then fled, according to Lohrke. Then one of the victims was able to free themselves and call for help.
Lohrke said the crime likely wasn't random. "It definitely was targeted towards this business and these people," he said.
"I believe it was somebody who knew there was going to be a meeting here," Lohrke said, "because usually nothing happens here. It's very quiet."
Dargalaye is glad she didn't stay longer at work Monday night.
"I'm the kind of person who jumps in, and probably I (would) be in trouble," she said.
No one was seriously injured during the robbery but one person was taken to a local hospital as a precaution.
Police said the robber was about 6-foot-1 with green eyes. A more detailed description was not available because the robber's face was covered with a ski mask, Lohrke said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Unified Police Department at 801-743-7000.
