Investigators released surveillance video Thursday in their search for an armed robber who held up an El Torito restaurant in Yorba Linda and got away with about $5,000 in cash over the weekend.
The robbery took place about 11:15 p.m. Sunday at the restaurant located at 22699 Oakcrest Circle (map), according to a news release from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
A man with a semi-automatic handgun cut the lock to a rear access gate on the property and then entered the building through an employee door located at the back of the restaurant, the Sheriff’s Department stated.
The man forced two employees into the manager’s office and demanded cash from the safe, according to the news release.
He left through the rear entrance door with about $5,000 in cash. No vehicle was seen leaving the area, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Investigators asked the public for help in identifying the robber, who was seen on surveillance video near the back of the restaurant.
He was described as black, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 160 to 170 pounds.
The robber was wearing a long-sleeve white and gray shirt, gray jeans and gloves, and had a white and black bandana covering his face.
He was believed to be responsible for at least one other armed robbery in April at a Mimi’s Café in the city of Whittier, the Sheriff’s Department stated.
Anyone with information was asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at 714-779-7098 ext. 103 or 714-647-7000.
Anonymous tips may be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.
