Police believe armed robbery at Vista restaurant was an inside job

Police said the ‘victim’ helped orchestrate an armed robbery one morning last week at a restaurant in the Vista.

Jermaine F. Heller told police he and another man were robbed at gunpoint and forced to stay inside of a room at Hickory Tavern, 907 Senate St., according to Columbia Police Department. The suspect reportedly stole an undisclosed amount of cash the morning of June 2.

Heller 43, was an employee of the restaurant at the time.

After reviewing surveillance video and speaking with witnesses, investigators determined Heller was a co-conspirator in the robbery.

Police are trying to identify the second suspect. He was described as a black male who was wearing a blue baseball cap, jeans and a black T-shirt during the incident.

Investigators and members of North Region’s Community Response Team arrested Heller at his home on Madera Drive Wednesday.

Heller was charged with armed robbery, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy. Due to a medical condition, he was taken to a local hospital.

He will be booked into Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center upon medical release.

Anyone with information the unknown suspect is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, text “TIPSC” plus the message to CRIMES (274637) or log onto www.sccrimestoppers.com. Tips can be anonymous, and anyone with information leading to the arrest of a suspect can receive a reward of up to $1,000.

This story was originally published June 9, 2016 at 9:09 PM with the headline "Police believe armed robbery at Vista restaurant was an inside job."