Man tries to rob restaurant using Google translate

7 Mar 2026 • 5:20 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A man attempted to rob an Ecuadorian restaurant in Newark, New Jersey, using Google Translate to convey his demands.
  • The incident occurred on February 20, when the suspect, after buying coffee, threatened to shoot the cashier if she did not open the register.
  • Despite the cashier speaking English, the robber used the app to translate his threats from English to Spanish.
  • After the cashier opened the register, the suspect failed to remove the cash drawer and then threw coffee at her in frustration before fleeing.
  • Police are actively searching for the suspect, described as a Black man wearing all black clothing, a black ball cap and a black face mask.

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