Restaurant robbed, worker sexually assaulted

ST. PETERSBURG — Three armed men broke into a downtown restaurant, sexually assaulted an employee and stole cash early Sunday, police said.

A few employees were cleaning after closing time at the Table, a popular restaurant and bar that opened in April at 539 Central Ave. As a worker opened the back door into the alley to take out the trash, three men armed with handguns ran inside, police spokesman Bill Proffitt said.

They stole cash, injured one employee and sexually assaulted another, who also suffered bruises and scratches. Proffitt wouldn't give the gender of the victim to protect the employee's identity. He also wouldn't say how many of the men were suspected in the sexual assault.

Proffitt said the employees didn't know the robbers, who were 18 to 25 years old and wore masks and dark clothing. He said they left physical evidence at the scene that police hope will help the investigation.

"There's no indication that this is a part of a pattern of crimes," Proffitt said.

The upscale, small restaurant and a bar, called the Mesa Lounge, are located in the bottom floor of the Alexander Building. Restaurant co-owner Rafael Manzano could not be reached for comment.

Across the street at the Emerald Bar, owner George Marano said his business has never been robbed since he started working there in 1982. He's heard of burglaries of vacant buildings at night, but never one where the robbers entered when employees were working.

"I find this very disturbing," Marano said. "They're getting bold."

Stephanie Garry can be reached at (727) 892-2374 or sgarry@sptimes.com.