SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Police Department (SPD) confirmed three masked men went into the Royals Cannabis shop Monday evening around closing time and robbed the business at gunpoint.
No one was injured, but the thieves did get away with over $1,000 in cash and over $1,000 in cannabis products.
Two employees were working at the time of the robbery.
“It happened so quick. But, they all just rushed in, there was three of them, one right after another. Just guns drawn, basically telling us to get down, stay where you’re at… then started demanding everything they were demanding,” said Brandon Hartnett, one of the employees working during the robbery.
SPD confirmed that Royals Cannabis has been robbed in the past. Police records show they were robbed in 2018.
Cannabis shops have become a frequent target for robberies. Part of the issue is that cannabis is not a federally legal crop, meaning it can be difficult for businesses to do banking. This ultimately leads to an excess of cash in stores.
Hartnett described that he still is feeling the adrenaline from the traumatic experience.
“I don’t feel like myself… feels like a dream to be honest,” Hartnett said.
NonStop Local reached out to the business owners for further comment and information, but did not hear back.
SPD told NonStop Local they are currently looking to identify the masked individuals.
