The bartender at Josephine’s Restaurant on North Federal Highway was shot and killed, and a waiter injured, during a robbery Friday, Jan. 4, at the north Boca eatery, said police.
The bartender was identified as Rafael Rodriguez, 46, of Boca Raton. Police said that as the robbery suspects were leaving, Rodriguez exchanged words with one of them. The suspect shot at Rodriguez, striking him once.
The four suspects fled out of the back door and were last seen running south behind the buildings. Rodriguez and a waiter who had earlier been pistol-whipped by one of the robbers were transported to Delray Medical Center, where Rodriguez later died. The waiter was treated and released, said police.
Police said the incident occurred at 11:43 p.m. on Jan. 4. Officers responded to a report of a male screaming, possible gun shots and a disturbance behind the restaurant at 5751 North Federal Highway.
After speaking with witnesses and reviewing surveillance video, detectives were able to piece together the crime. Their report said Josephine’s Restaurant closed at about 10 p.m.; however, the owner, several employees and patrons remained.
At 11:43 p.m., a waiter was leaving and Rodriguez walked with him to the back door. As the waiter exited, several suspects accosted them. The waiter and Rodriguez were knocked to the ground and the waiter was pistol whipped. One or two suspects stood guard while other suspects entered the restaurant.
Police said the suspects were all black males. All were wearing some kind of mask or facial covering. The suspects were armed with either revolvers or semi-automatic handguns.
Once inside the restaurant, the suspects approached the rest of the victims who were around the bar area. The suspects then took personal items, including wallets, jewelry and cell phones from the victims.
Boca Raton detectives are following leads throughout the South Florida area. If anyone has information about this crime, they are asked to call the Boca Raton Police Department at (561) 368-6201 or Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS.