GASTONIA, N.C. β The Gastonia Police Department said a woman accused of robbing her former place of employment was identified because of a face mask failure.
The department shared a Facebook post detailing what happened in late October 2022. According to them, 25-year-old Natasha Otero used a handgun while robbing a business along South York Street, demanding cash. She was wearing a face mask and reportedly struck one of the employees in the head with the gun.
However, officers said the employee who was assaulted recognized Otero immediately when Otero's mask fell off during the incident. Otero then fled the scene, leaving behind both the mask and the handgun.
Gastonia Police said an arrest warrant was obtained for Otero. She was taken into custody on Dec. 27, 2022.
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