TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma residents south of Interstate 5 near the Dome District have long considered their locally-owned EZ Mart to be a staple of convenience for their neighborhood. But these days, those same customers are now fearful for the store's future.
This is because on Tuesday, around 8 p.m., the Pacific Avenue business fell victim to yet another armed robbery. According to owner Daniel Poling, it's the fourth armed robbery they've had in the last two years.
"No love, no respect. And so, you know, frustrating," said Oscar, a longtime customer who preferred not to share his last name. "Very frustrating... you got a gun pointed in your face, you know, you don’t know if you’re gonna live or die.”
KING 5 obtained video showing what happened Tuesday night: two hooded suspects can be seen pointing their guns at the clerk and demanding all the cash in the register.
"It's ridiculous. I mean, for what? A few dollars? Really?” said Oscar. "I mean, come on. It's, it's terrible.”
Video shows that they later take several packs of cigarettes and head straight for the door. The suspects have not been arrested.
Another frequent customer, a local 8th grader, said the staff are like family to the many residents who live in the neighborhood.
"All of us have a connection with them, and they're really, really, great people," said Geoffrey Stewart.
The EZ Mart owner said three of the recent armed robberies occurred in the last year alone; this, after 20 years of not having a single one.
But the staff at EZ Mart are not alone. City data shows armed robberies rose by 10% in the last year compared to the year prior.
"After they’ve had a few robberies here, you know, it kind of puts you on a doubt that it's gonna last here any longer," said Oscar.
The owner said if this keeps happening, it will be tough for his business to maintain.
But the thought of losing the easiness of EZ Mart is an unwelcome idea for the many customers who depend on it each week.
"It would take out a piece of the community, really," said Stewart.
Stewart said he comes to EZ Mart "at least twice a week."
"We're always here, yeah... to get snacks or whatever you want," he said.