Carjacking reported at fast food parking lot

MERCED -- Merced police are searching for five men who committed a carjacking Wednesday night in the parking lot of a Jack in the Box restaurant.

Officers responded to the 1270 V St. restaurant at 8:50 p.m. The 56-year-old man was sitting in the driver's seat of his 1993 maroon. Ford Thunderbird with a male passenger. The robbers, described as five Hispanic males, demanded property and money from the victim, who refused, according to Lt. Bimley West.

The men then assaulted and punched the driver and his passenger. One of the attackers also pulled out a stun gun and tried to use it during the assault, West said.

The robbers got into the victim’s car and drove away. Riggs Ambulance paramedics also responded and treated the victims at the scene.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Sgt. Scott Skinner at (209) 385-4702 or the department's automated tip line at (209) 385-4725. Citizens can text a tip to TIP411 (847411) using "comvip" as the first word in the text message.

-- Sun-Star staff