Famous Footwear store is robbed

ATWATER -- No one was hurt Wednesday evening during a robbery at the Famous Footwear store in the Target Shopping Center, police reported Thursday.

The incident was reported at 6:30 p.m. at the 1264 Commerce Ave. store, according to Lt. Sam Joseph.

The robber entered the store about an hour prior to the incident, pretending to be shopping, asking the clerk what time the business closed and whether the store was busy, police said.

He later returned, lifted his jacket and showed the clerk a gun tucked in his waistband, saying: "OK, look, just give me all the money in the register," Joseph said.

There were customers in the store, Joseph said, and the robber kept his voice down to avoid being noticed.

The clerk complied with the robber's demands, handing over about $300 in cash. The robber put the money in a Skechers shoe box and fled on foot toward Applegate Road.

Witnesses described the robber as an unshaven white man between 20 and 30 years old, about 6 feet tall and with a slender build. He was wearing blue jeans and a grey hooded sweater or jacket with white emblems on the shoulder and chest, along with a black beanie over a white brimmed ball cap, they said.

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

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