BY: ABQ RAW staff
POSTED: 09/15/2023 @ 12:45PM
George Mason 32, of Albuquerque
Albuquerque –
On September 14th, 2023, a tense situation unfolded at the Church’s Chicken located at 5112 4th St NW. At approximately 6:05 PM, law enforcement officers were dispatched to the scene in response to an armed robbery. The initial reports indicated that a male suspect, wearing a nightgown, had entered the establishment and attempted to steal money using a knife.
The suspect, later identified as George Mason, was last seen fleeing the Church’s Chicken on foot, heading southbound on 4th St NW. Quick police action led to the successful detainment of Mason in the parking lot of a nearby Walgreens at the intersection of 4th St NW and Griegos Rd NW.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim, who is an employee at Church’s Chicken, recounted that Mason had entered the establishment, demanded money from the cash register, and brandished a knife wrapped in a black shirt. Despite her refusal to comply, Mason persisted, leaving her with no choice but to retreat to the back of the restaurant, fearing for her safety.
The complaint went to say, officers reviewed security camera footage from the store. The video showed Mason entering the establishment with the black shirt, which he later used to conceal the knife. His actions appeared to be a deliberate attempt to intimidate the victim. After the incident, Mason quickly exited the restaurant.
Upon his arrest, Mason was read his Miranda Rights, and he acknowledged understanding each right before being questioned by law enforcement. Mason denied having a knife while inside the Church’s Chicken. Nevertheless, he now faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
It is unclear what type of nightgown was worn during the encounter.