Phoenix man accused of holding his Shake Shack co-workers at gunpoint during robbery

A man accused of robbing and kidnapping his co-workers at gunpoint at a Phoenix Shake Shack last Monday has been arrested, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Keondre Simmons, 33, allegedly rang the rear delivery doorbell at the restaurant near Kierland Boulevard and Greenway Parkway, then pointed a handgun at the employee who responded. Police said he forced the employee inside and locked him in a walk-in cooler.

According to court documents, Simmons was wearing a mask and forced the on-duty manager at gunpoint to open a safe and hand over $2,800 in cash. He then allegedly forced the manager into the cooler with the other employee and locked the door.

The employees were able to escape using the cooler’s internal safety mechanism.

Moments later, Simmons returned and forced both employees into the office, where he ordered them to kneel, according to court documents.

Police said he took their cellphones and the office landline and threw them into a sink filled with water before leaving through the rear delivery door.

During the robbery, Simmons allegedly threatened to shoot them.

Shake Shack employees identified suspect by voice, mannerisms

Investigators said Simmons had been scheduled to work alongside the Shake Shack employees that day but called in sick around midnight.

Employees told police the robber’s appearance, mannerisms and voice matched Simmons. They also said the suspect appeared familiar with the Shake Shack’s interior, knowing how to operate the cooler’s latch and easily navigate employee-only areas.

Simmons was arrested Wednesday, two days after the robbery, while on the way to work. During an interview, he said there was a firearm inside his home, which police found while searching his home, according to court documents.

According to court documents, Simmons also told investigators he had been struggling and had children to support.

Simmons is being held on a $100,000 bond.

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