Two McDonald's robbed in 1 month

A gunman robbed a McDonald's restaurant at 1060 W. 13th St. late Sunday -- the second robbery of one of the chain's Merced restaurants in a month.

Merced police said no one was hurt during the robbery. Wearing a dark blue hooded sweat shirt, gloves and a scarf over his face, the robber entered the restaurant about 10:30 p.m. carrying a black semi-automatic handgun, according to Sgt. Bobby Chapman.

The robber ordered the manager to give him money from a safe, and the manager complied with his demands.

A female employee fled from the back of the restaurant, only to be met by the robber as he was leaving. The robber pointed the gun at the employee, ordering her to get on the ground, which she did.

The robber then fled in an unknown direction with an undisclosed amount of cash.

On Sept. 11, a gunman robbed a McDonald's in Merced at 1821 Motel Drive. In that case, the robber was described as an Asian male wearing a scarf and dark clothing.

Police are asking anyone with information about the robberies to call Sgt. Scott Skinner at (209) 385-4702 or the department's automated tipline at (209) 385-4725. Tips are kept confidential and callers can remain anonymous.

Residents can text a tip to TIP411 (847411) using "comvip" as the first word in the message. Tips are kept confidential, and residents can remain anonymous.

City Editor Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsunstar.com.