Thieves evade police after Utah coffee shop robbery

Two suspects remained at large Monday after robbing a Salt Lake coffee shop Sunday night.

The suspected thieves, a man and a woman, entered Coffee Noir at 1035 E. 200 South about 8:21 p.m. The female suspect passed a note across the counter indicating they had a weapon and demanding money. A young woman working behind the counter gave the suspects money, and they fled on foot, according to police and a Coffee Nior barista.

Police dogs tracked the suspects from the scene but lost the scent near Salt Lake Regional Hospital.

"It's possible they could have gotten into a car," said SLCPD Sgt. Robin Heiden. "A lot of times that's how they lose the track," although she added that no witnesses reported seeing the suspects flee in a vehicle.

The male suspect is described as in his mid- to late-20s, 6-foot-1 and thin, with bushy red hair. The female suspect is described as in her 30s, white, 5-foot-5" and heavy. The two may have had a black dog with them, according to police.

Police have asked anyone with information about the robbery to call (801) 799-3000 or text "TIPSSLCPD" plus any relevant information to 274637 (CRIMES).

Coffee Noir, which opened in May 2011, was robbed once before after a thief smashed the front window with a rock, said barista Lucas Tucker. This was the shop's first armed robbery, Tucker added.

hstevens@sltrib.com

Twitter: @Harry_Stevens