Police: Former employee pulls gun on coworker

Police say a former employee of El Patron Mexican Restaurant was arrested after pulling a gun on an employee.

A former employee of El Patron Mexican Restaurant and Grill, 629 Chestnut Commons Drive in Elyria, was arrested July 7 after pulling a gun on an employee, according to Elyria police Capt. Chris Costantino.

Jeffrey Aponte, 24, of Allen Street, is facing charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated menacing and inducing panic.

At 2:58 p.m., Elyria police were dispatched to El Patron for a report of a male with a gun, Costantino said.

When police arrived, they spoke with a restaurant employee who told officers Aponte used to work there a couple of months ago.

The 33-year-old employee said Aponte approached him asking if he wanted to buy his car, a Toyota Camry, Costantino said.

When the employee declined, Aponte pulled out what appeared to be a black 9 mm handgun, he said.

Aponte demanded the employee’s wallet and money, but took off in the Camry as soon as police were called.

Police obtained information that Aponte might be headed to East 31st Street, so they waited for him there, Costantino said.

About 4:30 p.m., officers saw the Camry pull into and out of a driveway on the street.

The vehicle then pulled into another driveway, where Aponte got out and began running, Costantino said.

After a short foot pursuit, police apprehended him.

In Aponte’s car, officers found a black BB gun, believed to be used during the incident, and a handwritten note that said “Police are looking for me for a murder, so I have nothing to lose. Give me all the money and don’t do nothing stupid. That’s what I want.”

Aponte is not wanted for any murder, Costantino said.

As of late July 10, Elyria Municipal Court did not indicate when Aponte would have his initial appearance on the robbery charges.

Aponte