Shake Shack worker allegedly calls out before robbing own restaurant, returns in uniform 2 days later

Keondre Simmons, a 33-year-old employee at the Shake Shack restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, has been charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, and kidnapping after allegedly robbing his own workplace at gunpoint.

According to court documents reviewed by investigators, Simmons called out of work around midnight on August 3, but then returned to the restaurant later that morning. He allegedly opened a rear delivery door after hearing a bell, believing it was a scheduled delivery, and then pointed a firearm at an employee who had answered the door.

The suspect forced the employee into the walk-in cooler and locked the door, before ordering the on-duty manager to open the store's safe. The manager complied, handing over approximately $2,800 in mixed denominations, which the suspect placed into a black gun case-style container.

Both victims eventually managed to escape from the cooler, but the suspect returned moments later, escorted them to the office and ordered them to kneel at gunpoint. He then took their cellphones and destroyed them by throwing them into a sink filled with water before exiting the business through the rear delivery door.

Two days after the robbery, Simmons allegedly returned to the Shake Shack wearing his work uniform, where police arrested him. Investigators later identified Simmons as the suspect based on evidence collected during the investigation.

Simmons is scheduled to appear in court on August 25 and faces charges related to the armed robbery, including aggravated assault and kidnapping.