Armed robbers target salon

Dec. 24, 2006

By Michael Rovito

Frontiersman

WASILLA - Two armed intruders burst into Foxy Nails and Tanning at 419 W. Parks Hwy. Friday evening, ordering workers and customers to lie on the floor and wounding one worker with a blast from

a shotgun, before robbing the business and two people

present.

The injured worker, who was not identified, is doing OK now, and was back at work Saturday, according to Wasilla police officer Lt. Craig Robinson. She was shot, according to witnesses, when one of the suspects appeared to accidentally fire their weapon. The main blast hit the floor before stray pellets struck the victim, Robinson said.

The suspects, who allegedly stole two purses and money from a cash register, are still at large and considered to be armed and dangerous, Robinson said.

The crime scene was under investigation by Friday evening, and the case has been handed over to investigators.

Wasilla resident Dorene Frank, who was getting her nails done at the time of the robbery, said everyone in the salon did exactly as the suspects said, fearing for their lives.

&#8220We're all lucky to still be alive,” Frank said.

Back at the salon Saturday afternoon to finish her nail work, Frank said she was angry because crimes like this don't happen in Wasilla.

&#8220This has changed everybody's life,” she said.

Frank is right, according to Robinson, who said violent actions like the Friday robbery are rare in the area.

&#8220We don't have many bust-into-the-store robberies here, fortunately,” Robinson said.

Various charges of robbery and assault await the two suspects after they are arrested. Just threatening someone with a gun is a felony, Robinson said.

Few details exist about the identity of the suspects. Police described the pair as two individuals - at least one was a man - wearing dark clothing and masks.

No getaway vehicle appears to have been used, police

said.

Anyone with information should contact Wasilla Police at 352-5401.

Contact Michael Rovito at 352-2252 or michael.rovito@ frontiersman.com.