HARTFORD – One man is under arrest after a shooting incident over an attempt to steal a bakery tip jar, police said.
Marcus Torres, 36, of Hartford is charged with attempted robbery and assault in the third degree. Torres is suspected of trying to steal a tip jar from the Barranquitas Mini Bakery on Franklin Avenue.
Employees at the bakery said the ordeal started this morning when a man, dressed in black, tried to take the jar which was screwed to the counter. Frankie Barreto, who has worked at the bakery for nearly ten years, said the owner’s wife thought that the man made a motion as if he was removing a gun from his waistband. Then, Barreto said, owner Lemeul Arzola followed the man outside where he shot him once in the right thigh.
Arzola was licensed to a carry a firearm, police said.
Family member, Jimmy Gonzalez, said he was shocked to encounter the scene.
"I can't believe this happened. Not here. Not with them,” Gonzalez said.
911 was called around 8:30 am and a Hartford Traffic Division Officer was flagged down by a Barranquitas employee at the scene.
Torres was transferred to Hartford Hospital where he was treated and released. His bond is set at $100,000 and he is due in court tomorrow.
The investigation is ongoing.
