Anthem Store robbed at knifepoint
Owner may install security cameras after incident
by Barry Cohen

ANTHEM – Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a white male in his early 20s  suspected of committing an armed robbery Sept. 13 at the Aloha Sunshine & Smoothies store in Anthem.

The suspect entered the store, located at 3655 W. Anthem Way within the Marketplace at Anthem, at about 7:45 p.m. and used a knife to force two teenage workers into a walk‑in freezer, according to a report from the sheriff’s office. While inside the freezer, one of the victims used a cellular telephone to dial 911, stated the report.

By the time deputies arrived, the suspect had fled, said MCSO Lt. Paul Chagolla. The two workers were unharmed.

Business owner John Patterson and his wife, Denice, operate three Aloha Sunshine & Smoothies  stores in the Valley.

Accounts differ as to how much money was taken in the holdup. 

Patterson said the suspect escaped with “more than a couple thousand dollars” after accessing the store’s safe. The safe was open because the workers were preparing to make the day’s deposit, he explained.

Lt. Chagolla said he understood “several hundred dollars” were taken during the robbery.

This was the first time the three‑year‑old store has been robbed, Patterson said. Several Anthem businesses have been burglarized on more than one occasion.

Patterson related that two to three employees are usually in the store, including a manager. The day of the robbery, the Aloha manager had left earlier in the day, he added.

Patterson said he is considering installing security cameras in the Anthem store.

The suspect is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall with medium‑length blond hair, according to officials. He was wearing a red shirt and blue jeans.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.