Mexican bakery robbed by illegal alien (WCSC-SC)

Mexican bakery robbed by illegal alien
Posted: Aug 10, 2010 3:25 PM
By Harve Jacobs

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Police arrested an illegal immigrant Monday night after he allegedly fired shots inside a bakery and struggled with the victim over a gun.

Investigators say the suspect, Javier Castillo, 18, who is homeless, is in the United States illegally.

Gamireya Gama was working Monday night at the Panaderia Bakery when Castillo allegedly walked in, pulled out a handgun and demanded money.

"He came in with a gun and he said turn off the cameras," said Gama through a translator.

Gama said Castillo fired one shot in the back of the business and another into the wall in the front of the store to convince her to hand over the cash.

"He went out the door. I locked the door and at the first opportunity I pressed the alarm," Gama said.

Police said Gama's co-worker ran out the back door and got into a wrestling match with the still-armed suspect outside the front door.

When officers got there, the co-worker yelled "pistol" in Spanish and cops pulled the two apart.

After his arrest, investigators said Castillo confessed. He told them he committed the crime to get food and money. Officers said he told them he fired the shots to show "he was serious."

Police said Castillo is also accused of shooting into a woman's car window Sunday night at the Saddlebrook Mobile Home Park and trying to rob her, but she got away.

Castillo is being held in the Dorchester County Jail. He is facing several charges, including attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of a weapon by an illegal immigrant.

Police plan to start deportation proceedings against him.