Accused robber stole $28K during Bitcoins exchange, cops say

A man thought his $28,000 business transaction around midnight in the parking lot of a West Palm Beach Boston Market would go smoothly. Instead, it ended in armed robbery, according to a Palm Beach Sheriff’s arrest report.

Deputies arrested Andre Allen, 34, of West Boynton as one of twomen involved in the robbery.

The incident happened early Monday when Steve Manos, 32, of LakeWorth, met with two men, whom, he told deputies, he had done business with several times before. Hewanted to exchange $28,000 in cash for Bitcoins, a digital currency for online transactions.

The exchange took place outside the restaurant at 2024 Military Trail. One of the men got into the front passenger seat of Manos’ car, while the second man sat behindManos, according to the report.

Manos handed over 28 bundles of $1,000 in a gift bag. The front seat passenger took out a laptop to finish the exchange, but he also pulled out a knife. He pressed it toManos’ chest, Manos told deputies.

Manos told the men to just take the money and leave. But a struggle ensued as the backseat passenger tried to grab Allen Manos’ gun out of the driver’s door pocket.

The two robbers ran with the money. Manos chased them, but couldn’t keep up, the report said. The suspects got into a Acura, and sped off.

Manos gave deputies a phone number he had used to contact one of the suspects to set up previous transactions. The deputies linked that number to Allen, and Manos picked him out of a photo lineup, according to the report.

Deputies arrested Allen the next day. He faces armed robbery, burglary and battery charges and is being held in Palm Beach County Jail on $31,000 bond.