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  • Alleged robber was actually a Shake Shack employee, who returned to work after the crime.
  • Employees recognized the robber's voice, appearance, and familiarity with the restaurant.
  • Suspect was arrested in the restaurant's parking lot, with evidence found at his home.

An alleged robbery at an Arizona Shake Shack took an unexpected turn. This occurred after police say the suspected robber was actually one of the restaurant’s own employees. In fact, many are now referring to the case as the Shake Shack employee robbery.

Keondre Simmons, 33, was arrested after allegedly robbing the Shake Shack near Scottsdale and Greenway Road.

But the part that has social media talking is what allegedly happened afterward. Simmons reportedly returned to the restaurant two days later for work, in a twist typical of the Shake Shack employee robbery story.

Police Say Two Employees Were Held at Gunpoint

According to reports, Simmons allegedly entered the restaurant through a rear delivery door. He then confronted two coworkers with a semiautomatic handgun.

The employees were reportedly forced into the restaurant’s walk-in cooler while the manager was ordered to open the safe.

The alleged robbery netted approximately $2,800.

Police say the suspect then took the employees’ cellphones and a landline phone. He threw them into a sink filled with water, apparently attempting to damage the devices. The unusual series of events has become known as the Shake Shack employee robbery among local news outlets.

His Coworkers Reportedly Recognized Him

Despite the suspect allegedly attempting to conceal his identity, investigators received some major clues from the employees inside the restaurant.

Both workers reportedly told authorities that Simmons had called off sick earlier that same day.

They also said the robber’s voice, physical appearance and familiarity with the restaurant reminded them of Simmons. In what now appears to be a clear case of the Shake Shack employee robbery, this detail is striking.

The suspect allegedly knew details that an average robber might not know. These details included where cleaning supplies and gloves were kept and the location of the walk-in cooler’s latch.

That inside knowledge reportedly helped strengthen investigators’ suspicions.

He Allegedly Returned for His Next Shift

Then came the part that sent the story viral. Additionally, the Shake Shack employee robbery received significant attention online. This occurred because Simmons allegedly returned to work as if nothing had happened.

Police say Simmons returned to the Shake Shack two days after the robbery. He was wearing his work uniform and apparently ready for his scheduled shift.

Instead, officers arrested him in the restaurant’s parking lot.

Investigators had reportedly followed Simmons from his home before taking him into custody.

Authorities later searched his residence and reportedly discovered a semiautomatic handgun and cash. Simmons allegedly told investigators that he had already disposed of the clothing worn during the robbery.

Social Media Couldn’t Believe It

Once the story reached TikTok, people immediately began roasting the unusual circumstances surrounding the arrest.

Many couldn’t get over the idea. Someone accused of robbing their own workplace would return just days later, wearing the company uniform.

Others joked that the alleged robbery was more of a “Shake Down at the Shake Shack.” Meanwhile, several commenters were stunned that the suspect allegedly risked so much for approximately $2,800.

The case quickly became another example of a serious crime story. Once social media got hold of the details, the story took on a completely different life.

Shake Shack Glendale
Source: Kayla Bartkowski / Getty