Adult Store Owner Chase Gunman After Attempted Robbery

CHICO, CA — (12-09-23) — A Masked man with a gun entered the Play Time 4 You adult store in west Chico last Wednesday, with the intent of walking out with the adult store’s cash register. However his plan was foiled by the store’s defiant owner Erika Fink.

According to a Butte County Sheriff’s Office press release, Sgt. Steve Bertagna observed a vehicle matching the description and stopped the vehicle. During the stop, Bertagna found evidence that caused them to believe that Chico resident Anthony Macias, 36, was involved in the attempted robbery.

Macias was arrested on suspicion of robbery, conspiracy, possessing a firearm when prohibited from doing so, and possessing a controlled substance. He was booked into the Butte County Jail in Oroville.

Sgt Bertagna further said that Macias is no stranger to law enforcement. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance in 2018, and pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy to commit a burglary in 2019.

Erika Fink, who owns Play Time 4 You located at 2961 Highway 32, Suite 18 (Map It), had an unsettling start to her business day around 11:20 a.m on last Wednesday, when Anthony Macias wearing a black mask and black gloves entered the shop and demanded money. He raised his shirt to display a gun tucked into the waistband of his pants.

However, Erika wasn’t having it and right away told the man she wasn’t giving him anything and told the suspect that “there were cameras all over the store” and it was going to be easy for authorities to find and arrest him.

“He said, ‘I don’t care,’ and I said, ‘If you want the money, you’d better shoot me,’” Fink said. At that point, Fink told Action News Now that Anthony Macias apparently decided he would just take the register but after an unsuccessful attempt at disconnecting the cash register, he gave up ran out of the store. That’s when Fink grabbed the phone to dial 911.

We are thankful that Fink, who has owned the Play Time 4 You adult store business for 15 years, was not hurt during this horrific crime.

Deputies also believe there was a second person involved and are searching for that individual. Sheriff’s Office detectives request that anyone with information on this case to call 530-538-7321.

To show your support for Erika and her entire team visit the Play Time 4 You at at 2961 CA-32 #18, Chico, CA 95973 (Map It).  Plus you can follow them on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Article by: Andy Powell, Staff Writer

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