Heavily Armed Bandits Caught On Tape Robbing Riverside Café

Police said it took two heavily armed, masked men less than two minutes to create havoc and leave employees of a Riverside café shaken up after being threatened and robbed.

Surveillance tape from the European Street Café on Park Street captured images of the robbers as they entered the restaurant Tuesday evening.

Now, police are hoping someone recognizes the men and comes forward.

The robbery took place as the restaurant employees were busy getting ready to close for the night. One woman was behind the counter counting money, but the happy closing-time sentiment quickly changed when two masked men barged into the business.

The surveillance tape shows one man wearing a "Scream" mask and carrying a shotgun and another man wearing a blue bandana, blue jacket and holding what police said looks like an AK-47.

Seconds later, one of the masked men uses his gun to force an employee to the floor before making him get back up and get the money.

As one employee got the money, another employee was forced to the ground with the gun pointed in her back.

Police said while that was happening, the other suspect was likely acting as a lookout.

The men got away with cash and an employee's purse in less than two minutes.

Police said they suspect the robbery was strategically planned.

"It was well operated. They had one person to act as a lookout by the door while the other demanded and ultimately got away with the money. Then they both took off at the same time," said Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokesman Ken Jefferson.

A day after the armed robbery, business was back to normal at the European Street Café, and inside the surveillance cameras continued to roll.

Investigators said the surveillance video recorded Tuesday night is key to catching the armed robbers and said they hope someone saw something and will come forward with the information.

Anyone who recognizes the men who robbed the European Street Café is asked to call Crimestoppers at 866-845-TIPS.