Suspect charged with strong-arm robbery after stealing money from restaurant in Merced
A 29-year old man was arrested on suspicion of robbing a downtown restaurant in Merced on Thursday morning. The suspect grabbed $19 from the cash register and pushed down an employee before running away, police said.
After responding to a call at Marie’s Mexican Kitchen at 259 W. Main Street, officers were told a man had run into the restaurant and grabbed cash from the register. An employee tried to stop the man, but he pushed her to the ground.
The victim gave police a description, and officers while searching the area found a suspect who fit the description.
An infield lineup was conducted and the victim positively identified Richard Gonzales as the suspect.
Gonzales was transported to the Merced County Jail and was booked on suspicion of strong-arm robbery.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact officer Farmer at 209-388-8841 or farmert@cityofmerced.org.
