Robber stole cash, cigarettes from Smiley’s Gas Station in Merced, policy say. He’s on the loose

A robber allegedly stole more than $1,000 in cash and cigarettes from the Smiley’s Gas Station in the 1400 block of 16th Street on Thursday night, a store clerk reported to officials.

The alleged robber walked into the store at 8:27 p.m. and showed the clerk a silver revolver the suspect had in his backpack, Merced police said on Facebook Friday morning. He made the clerk lay down on the floor after handing over the money and cigarettes, police said. He fled the store before police arrived.

The alleged robber is described as a white male adult between 40 and 50 years old, who is six feet tall and 200 pounds. He wore a white T-shirt, a black vest, a pair of gloves, a mask and a gray or green beanie, the police said.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact Officer Sarah Abanathie at 209-385-6905 or by email at abanathies@cityofmerced.org.