Montgomery ice cream shop employees speak out after 2nd robbery in 2 months

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Workers at a popular local dessert spot are demanding increased police protection and heightened community awareness after their shop was subjected to its second armed robbery in just a two-month period.

The latest incident occurred on Memorial Day at La Moraleja, a family-owned ice cream shop located on Bell Road in Montgomery. According to employees on duty, an armed assailant entered the store, brandished a handgun, and demanded money from the cash register. In a terrifying display of force, the suspect fired a single shot directly into the floor of the business before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash. Fortunately, none of the workers or customers inside were struck or injured by the gunfire.

The holiday weekend heist marks the second time the business has been targeted by armed robbers in two months, and the third overall since opening its doors a year ago. Employees spoke out about the escalating danger, expressing deep anxiety about returning to work. Store owners highlighted that minority-owned small businesses, particularly those operating primarily in cash, feel increasingly vulnerable to targeted robberies in the area.

The Montgomery Police Department has confirmed they are actively investigating the robbery and looking for connections with other recent commercial holdups. Community leaders are calling on local authorities to increase patrols around Bell Road businesses to deter further criminal activity and ensure the safety of employees and patrons.