Kansas City coffee shop owner speaks out after employee robbed

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City coffee shop owner says one of his employees was recently robbed at gunpoint not far from the shop.

The employee was walking home after grabbing dinner when they were targeted and had to give up everything they had on them.

Oddly Correct Coffee Bar moved into the space on E. 42nd Street and Troost Avenue three years ago.

It wasn’t until this time last year, co-owner Mike Schroeder says he’s noticed more vandalism and violent crime.

“I am kind of fed up seeing so many people being victimized in Kansas city,” Schroeder said.

He says just a few days ago, one of his employees became the latest victim after being robbed at gunpoint walking home in the evening not far from the shop.

“Their essential medications, ID cards, prescription glasses, like everything they had on them was taken,” Schroeder said.

According to the Kansas City Crime Report, in the last week, a few assaults and robberies have been reported in the area surrounding the shop.

People FOX4 spoke with say it’s common to walk around this area

“You have to wonder what’s going on is this an isolated thing or a bigger thing at play or do I as someone who lives around here need to be worried and looking over my shoulder every time as I am walking to work,” said Sharif Bryant, who lives in the area.

That’s why Schroeder says it’s time for change on a larger scale, calling on city leaders to do more and soon.

“The fact of the matter is that the police don’t stop the crime from happening they respond to it, which is needed obviously but I think what’s really lacking is other resources to help people who are getting to this point of desperation,” Schroeder said.

A police report was filed and the incident is still under investigation.

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