Two men were arrested and charged with allegedly robbing a South Lawndale health food store mid-day Monday and threatening the shop's owner with a screwdriver.
Benjamin Marrero, 29, of the 2600 block of W. Cermak Rd. and David Lopez, 31, of the
2800 block of W. Cermak Rd. were both charged with a felony count each of armed robbery and aggravated kidnapping.
The "brazen" robbery occurred shortly before noon, according to Chicago Police. The men allegedly entered the store in the 3100 block of West 26th Street and asked the owner for a particular hand cream.
As the owner walked toward the back storeroom, Marrero allegedly grabbed her and announced the robbery while "brandishing a screwdriver," police said.
The owner's hands and feet were tied with duct tape, and her cell phone, car keys and bank card were stolen from her purse, according to police. The cash register also was forced open.
Officers arrested both men a short time later, police said, near an ATM machine after they allegedly withdrew cash from the woman's account.
Marrero and Lopez were due in felony bond court Tuesday.
