New Jersey Man Tries To Use Google Translate During Attempted Restaurant Robbery

The suspect's language barrier didn't help his robbery attempt go smoothly.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A New Jersey man is facing charges after attempting to rob a restaurant by using Google Translate to communicate with the employees, which did not go as planned. The suspect walked into Mi Rinconcito Ecuatoriano in Newark and used the translation app to inform the staff he was robbing them, before trying to steal the cash register and fleeing the scene.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges criminals can face when trying to carry out crimes in areas with language barriers, as well as the limitations of relying solely on translation technology during high-pressure situations. It also underscores the resilience of small business owners like the restaurant's owner, who was able to thwart the robbery attempt.

The details

According to reports, the suspect walked into Mi Rinconcito Ecuatoriano, a restaurant known for serving the local Hispanic community, and used Google Translate to tell the employees he was robbing them. He then attempted to steal the cash register before running out of the restaurant. The owner, Maria, said the suspect became angry when the cashier told him to take the money, leading him to throw a coffee and a case at her.

  • The incident occurred on February 20th.

The players

Mi Rinconcito Ecuatoriano

A restaurant in Newark, New Jersey that serves the local Hispanic community.

Maria

The owner of Mi Rinconcito Ecuatoriano.

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What they’re saying

“A man came to buy a coffee, and he bought a coffee and then he wanted to keep the money. And when [the cashier] told him to take it, he didn't take it and got angry, he threw the coffee at her and then he thew a case that was on the table at her.”

— Maria, Restaurant Owner (New Jersey News 12)

The takeaway

This attempted robbery highlights the challenges criminals can face when trying to commit crimes in areas with language barriers, as well as the resilience of small business owners who are able to thwart such attempts. It serves as a reminder that relying solely on translation technology during high-pressure situations can have its limitations.