Robbers Demand Cash in Broad Daylight Holdup (Image Credits: Blogger.googleusercontent.com)
New Orleans — Surveillance footage from a local convenience store captured a tense robbery that escalated into a fatal shootout on December 3, 2024.
Robbers Demand Cash in Broad Daylight Holdup
Two armed men, Teony Umanzor-Juarez and Cecil Batiz, entered Sam’s Meat Market in the 8400 block of South I-10 Service Road around 7:49 p.m. Both carried handguns, including a Glock semiautomatic stolen from a New Orleans Police Department officer’s vehicle. The pair approached the clerk seated at the cash register and pointed a gun directly at his face.
The clerk complied immediately, opening the drawer and placing money on the counter. Batiz stuffed the bills into his pocket while his weapon featured an extended magazine. Umanzor-Juarez stood nearby as lookout near the front counter. Store manager Diaa Hamed later described the intruders’ demands to Fox 8 News: “They came in and like, ‘money, money, money, money.’ That’s all they say.”
A single customer present during the incident escaped unharmed.
Clerk Opens Fire as Robbers Linger
After securing the cash, the robbers headed toward the exit but abruptly turned back toward the clerk. That’s when the clerk unleashed a barrage of gunfire. Batiz, standing just feet away, collapsed to the floor.
Umanzor-Juarez fired a single round in response before fleeing the scene, wounded in the forearm. The clerk fired two more shots at Batiz, who appeared to fumble with his weapon on the ground, ending the threat. Hamed explained the clerk’s actions: “He was really scared, that’s why they use their guns. We all carry guns but we hope not to use it. But in this situation, we have to.”
Swift Capture and Mounting Charges
Authorities apprehended Umanzor-Juarez shortly after the incident. He received medical treatment for his injury before booking. Initial charges included armed robbery, armed robbery with a firearm, aggravated assault with a firearm, and illegal use of a weapon. Hours later, officials added a manslaughter count related to Batiz’s death.
The clerk faced no charges in connection with the shooting. Some early reports suggested the robbers were already leaving, but video evidence clearly showed them turning back toward the clerk before the gunfire erupted.
- Robbery occurred at 7:49 p.m. on December 3, 2024.
- One robber killed; the other wounded and arrested.
- Stolen police Glock used in the crime.
- Store customer unharmed.
- Clerk defended himself successfully.
Immigration Questions Surface in Investigation
Booking records revealed Umanzor-Juarez initially claimed U.S. citizenship. However, ICE confirmed he was a Honduran national who entered the country illegally at Eagle Pass, Texas, on April 14, 2023, as a minor. Additional scrutiny uncovered an outstanding warrant in New York.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill commented on the case: “Multiple crimes in multiple states. It shouldn’t take TV coverage for ICE to decide they’re going to do their job. He never should have been in this country.” Prosecutors plan to pursue charges for offenses in Louisiana and Texas before deportation proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- A prepared clerk neutralized an armed robbery threat.
- Video evidence contradicted initial media narratives.
- Immigration enforcement plays a role in the suspect’s background.
This incident underscores the high stakes of retail robberies and the right to self-defense in perilous encounters. What are your thoughts on armed store clerks as a deterrent? Share in the comments below.
