Police arrest Starbucks robbery perp

Francisco Lanear, about 33, of Rio Rancho, was arrested Dec. 1 for armed robbery that took place Nov. 22 at the Starbucks near Sabana Grande and NM 528.

The store manager said a Hispanic male had robbed the store with a knife.

The Starbucks employee working the register at the time said they saw a man park in a white truck near the front entrance. They said he entered the store, approached the register and demanded $40. He repeated himself and brandished a knife at the employee. The manager placed the money on the counter. He then took $5 bills from the drawer and left in the white truck.

The amount taken was approximately $50-$70. The district manager then provided police with a photograph from the security footage.

Officers found the owner of the truck Nov. 29, but the the owner’s looks were “significantly different” from the photo of the robber.

When talking to police, the truck’s owner said the truck is mainly used by his daughter, who has a boyfriend named Francisco. The daughter identified the perpetrator as Lanear in an interview with police.

Lanear called police Dec. 1 and admitted to the crime. He was arrested shortly after.

If convicted, Lanear will face nine years in prison and have to pay $10,000 in fines.