Robber brandishes pistol in Circle K, demands cash

ATWATER -- No one was hurt early Tuesday morning during an armed robbery at the Circle K convenience store, police reported.

The robbery was reported at 12:48 a.m. at the 1021 Shaffer Road store. The clerk told police he'd been stocking items when he heard someone enter the store. The clerk said he thought it was a customer and turned around, but then heard the sound of the robber racking a gun.

The robber, who was wearing a black bandanna over his face, pointed a black semi-automatic gun at the clerk, demanding money, police said. The clerk complied with the robber's demands, opening the cash register, and the robber pointed his gun at the clerk the entire time, according to police.

The clerk handed over a small amount of cash to the robber, who demanded a pack of cigarettes and fled the scene on foot. The clerk immediately locked up the store and called police.

Police searched the area, but were unable to find the robber. He's described as a white man, around 5 feet, 6 inches tall, with a skinny build. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and black gloves, police said.

Police are asking anyone with information to call (209) 357-6396. Tips are kept confidential and you can remain anonymous.