PORT ANGELES — Police today are asking the public for information about a late-night armed robbery Sunday outside Fiesta Jalisco restaurant at Front and Eunice streets.
Here’s today’s news release from the Port Angeles Police Department:
On March 21, 2010 at approximately 10:47 PM Port Angeles Police and Fire Department units were dispatched to the 600 block of East Front Street on a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred and an injured victim on site. Arriving officers determined that a restaurant employee had closed the business and was walking to his vehicle parked behind the restaurant. He was approached from behind by a white male suspect who reportedly brandished a knife, demanded money, and threatened to “kill” him. The suspect was described as late 20’s, 5′-8″ to 6′-0″, wearing a dark mask that exposed only the eyes and mouth, a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, dark jeans or sweatpants, and it was reported that he held the knife in his right hand. The knife was described as six inches in length, smooth-edged, silver bladed, and with a dark handle.
It was reported that after the suspect demanded money he grabbed the victim by his shoulders, struck the victim, and then kicked the victim multiple times in the head when he was on the ground. The suspect took the victim’s wallet and keys, and then returned the keys. Officers determined that the suspect had likely fled on foot. They immediately set up a multiple block area of containment and a PAPD K-9 Officer and dog initiated a track. The K-9 unit was able to successfully track for a distance and then lost the track. Officers determined that the suspect likely deflated the rear tire on the victim’s vehicle ahead of the attack.
The Port Angeles Police Department was assisted by the U.S. Border Patrol, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington State Patrol. The victim was transported from the scene by ambulance to the Olympic Medical Center. Officers continue to follow up leads and investigate the case. The crime as described is “Robbery in the First Degree”, a Class A Felony under the Revised Code of Washington, and carries the potential for a substantial prison sentence.
Persons with information on the crime or the suspect can call the North Olympic Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the Port Angeles Police Department at 360-452 4545.
