Barista who shot robber broke rules with gun

EUGENE, Ore. – The barista who fatally shot a would-be robber at a Dutch Bros. coffee kiosk in Eugene on Nov. 24 broke company rules by taking a gun to work, but he’ll be welcomed back if and when he’s ready to return to the job, the company’s top executive says.

Travis Boersma, of Grants Pass, whose drive-through coffee chain includes more than 150 locations in five states, told the Eugene Register-Guard that he supports the employee for defending himself during the robbery attempt.

“Under this unique circumstance, the (barista) who went through this horrific event did everything to protect his own life,” Boersma said.

Lane County prosecutors concluded earlier this week that the Dutch Bros. worker – a man in his 20s who has not been publicly identified – would face no criminal charges.

A police log entry indicates that the worker called 911 at 9 p.m. to report he had exchanged gunfire with a man who tried to rob the kiosk. The suspected robber, 27-year-old Eugene resident Sirus Combs, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said a second man who accompanied Combs ran and remains at large. Police have not said whether they know the identity of the man.

Boersma said the barista was working alone when Combs and his accomplice approached the stand and tried to rob it.

The man who shot Combs has worked for Dutch Bros. nearly three years. Boersma said he did not know how long the employee had been taking a gun to work, but the barista is trained and experienced with firearms.

Dutch Bros. prohibits employees from carrying guns while at work. But the policy violation won’t cost the barista his job, Boersma said.

The company has offered the man counseling and placed him on paid leave for one month.

All employees of the kiosk were given a week of paid leave, Boersma said.