BURIEN, Wash. — A cashier was held at gunpoint during a robbery Saturday night at a 76 gas station on Ambaum Boulevard Southwest in Burien. Security camera footage captured a man in dark clothing with his face covered pointing a pistol at the employee and demanding cash from the register.
The gas station owner, Atinder Dahb, says this is the third time the store has been targeted in three weeks. Cashier compliance led to the surrender of cash, Backwoods cigars, and other items, with the stolen money totaling approximately $4,000 to $5,000 across the three robberies.
Dahb said the emotional and mental toll on his staff is taking a financial toll on the small business, as both employees and customers fear for their safety. Two employees work the night shift at the station. “And then they’re scared like every single night we have two guys who work here,” Dahb said. “And then they get scared, and when we have customers who come in here… and yeah, they’re getting scared too to show up here, and for a small business, we are losing a lot of money.”
Dahb described the gunman’s demeanor during the repeated incidents and expressed concern that the suspect will return.
“He was fearless,” Dahb said. “He was doing, like, you know, like it’s kid stuff,” Dahb added, saying the ongoing threat has left him worried about upcoming shifts. “I’m scared that he’s going to show up again this weekend,” Dahb said.
To protect his staff, Dahb plans to install $15,000 worth of bulletproof glass around the counter to create a secure enclosure for the cashier. Dahb also plans to remain present at the station to monitor the store alongside his employees.
“We are going to cover up this whole place all the way til here, and then we are going to have a door here,” Dahb said. “So at least if something happens, he can just lock himself in. That way he won’t rob us again.”
Dahb emphasized his commitment to standing by his workers during shifts. “I’m going to sit here and see if he’s coming in because obviously I’m going to support my employees,” Dahb said. “I don’t want to leave them by themselves here.”
Dahb also issued a direct message to the gunman responsible for targeting his business. “So, just go get a job,” Dahb said. “You can make more money, and you can live the American dream like how I’m living.”
Dahb says he’s shared his videos with the King County Sheriff’s Office. KIRO7 reached out to the agency to see if they are still investigating the robberies.