Police Launch Investigation Into Death Of Connecticut Muffin Barista

Customers, co-workers and passersby at the on Lafayette Avenue reacted to news of the death of a likeable and sociable employee this week.

Tamon Robinson, 27, was pronounced dead Wednesday after being hit by a patrol car near his home in Bayview Houses in Canarsie on April 12.

According to the New York Times, police recently launched an investigation into Robinson's injuries and later death, which occurred after the NYPD received a report of someone stealing paving stones at the public housing project.

Family and friends told The Times that Robinson had permission to take the stones. The police car hit Robinson as he ran towards his building, according to the report.

A customer at the popular Fort Greene coffeeshop, Erick Alexander, said Robinson's death was another reminder of the dangers facing African-American young men, including his own 23-year-old son, who lives in Bed-Stuy. 

"Every time he goes out, I worry," Alexander said. "Even though he stays out of trouble, I don't know what circumstances he is going to find himself in, whether it's a case of mistaken identity or what have you."

Employees at the shop referred questions about Robinson to the store's manager, who could not immediately be reached for comment.

However, a makeshift memorial outside the coffeeshop served as a testament to the effect Robinson had on friends, co-workers and customers (a list that includes ).

"If love alone could have saved you/you would never had died," read a message signed by Natalie. "A heart of gold stopped beating/two twinking eyes closed to rest/God broke our hearts to prove he only takes the best."