INDIANAPOLIS -- Bold and brazen west side Mexican restaurant robberies have some business owners and their customers shaken up.
The assailants conduct a takeover-style robbery with their guns prominently displayed.
The first crime occurred at El Maquey located at 3920 North High School Road on January 14.
"We have surveillance footage of an individual of what looks to be an AK-47. The other individuals appear to be carrying handguns. In one of the robberies, someone did shoot once into the air. Luckily, no one was struck by that gunfire. It appears these individuals are not afraid to use their weapons during these robberies," Lt. Richard Riddle said.
WATCH: Armed clerk keeps would-be robber at at bay until police arrive
The next robbery occurred January 20 at a grocery store and restaurant located at 4711 West 34th Street.
Three suspects, one carrying a shotgun and another carrying a handgun, emptied the cash register, stole a cell phone and a debit card from a customer, and left in a Dodge Stratus.
The robbery won't stop Ernesto Rivera from coming back.
"It is my favorite place. I buy my tortillas here. I buy everything here," he said.
Police believe these same bandits may be responsible for at least one other robbery.
Business owners are scheduled to meet at IMPD'S Northwest District headquarters located at 3821 Industrial Boulevard at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday.
Anyone with information about the crimes or suspects is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477.
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