PORT ANGELES — Police were investigating leads Tuesday to find the man who robbed and assaulted the manager of a restaurant Sunday night.
“We are following up several leads about people who live in the area who might be a likely suspect,” said Port Angeles Deputy Chief Brian Smith. “We have some additional physical evidence that we are investigating, that we cannot divulge at this time.”
Shortly after closing the Fiesta Jalisco restaurant at 636 First St., Port Angeles, manager Jaime Bautista was accosted by a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt and carrying a 6-inch knife, police said.
The robber first showed Bautista the knife, demanded money, grabbed him by the shoulders, struck him and — when his victim was on the ground — kicked him several times in the head.
Bautista was recuperating at home Tuesday, and was not available for comment.
The assailant was described as Caucasian, in his late 20s and standing between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet tall.
He was wearing a dark mask that showed only his eyes and mouth, a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt and dark jeans or sweatpants, according to police reports.
The robber stole Bautista’s wallet and keys but immediately returned the keys.
Smith said the violent aspect of the crime was “disturbing” but said that it did not indicate that the assailant had any personal grudge against the victim.
“In cases like this, the perpetrator always tries to hide their identity,” Smith said. “It doesn’t mean that he had any previous connection with the victim.”
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 800-222-8477 or the Port Angeles Police Department at 360-452-4545.