Police looking for woman suspected of robbing Concord car wash at knife point

CONCORD, Calif. (KTVU) - A small business owner in Concord is asking for help in identifying the suspect who robbed him at knife point.

The crime was caught on tape by surveillance cameras. 

Ali Gowhary, owner of Rain & Shine Car Wash on Clayton Road, said a woman dressed in black with her face hidden by a black bandana confronted him as he stood behind the cash register around 8 a.m. on November 28. 

Surveillance video shows a clear image of the suspect pulling out a knife and she can be heard demanding money. 

At one point, she puts down the knife as she empties the cash register. 

"For a second, I was thinking, 'Should I pick it up?' Then I was thinking maybe there's another person behind her," said Gowhary. 

The owner can be heard telling the suspect he can't open the safe. 

Gowhary said for security reasons, he can only put money into the safe. But he cannot unlock it to take out the money. 

After repeated demands to open the safe, the suspect left without gaining access.

"Very aggressive, Very mean. You can see in her eyes she means business," said Gowhary. 

"We're pretty confident somebody watching this video is going to recognize her, her mannerisms, her voice and we're hoping that that person is going to come forward and give us a tip on the identity of the suspect," said Lt. Mike Kindorf with Concord Police.

The suspect is a woman, 25 to 30 years old, 5'6" tall, 125 to 130 pounds with dark hair and eyes. She wore a black shirt with an orange San Francisco Giants logo, 

Gowhary said he's concerned that she'll either come back or rob another business and that next time, she may hurt someone. 

"Angry and cautious. I'm both. I don't feel safe now every morning," said Gowhary. 

He said he takes comfort in his regular customers who've stopped by to check on him after they heard about the robbery. 

Gowhary showed KTVU the gift one patron brought him Monday morning. 

"So please Concord people, if you know anything, please let the Concord Police know. I really want this woman to be caught before she's going to harm somebody," said Gowhary. 

He said the suspect fled on foot and that he didn't see an accomplice. Gowhary hopes she gets caught before she strikes again. 

Police are asking anyone with information to call Concord Police's anonymous tipline at 925-603-5836.