The business was open for drive-through service only at the time of the robbery with the main part of the building secured.  The business was staffed at the time by two employees, a male cook and a female clerk / cashier.  The employee victims report that the cook was confronted by a man who had scaled a wall at the rear of the business and landed in a breezeway area between the restaurant and the walk-in freezer.  The cook was working in this area and saw immediately that the man was armed with what was described as a box cutter.  The cook engaged the suspect in a struggle.  During this struggle, the cook was slightly injured, suffering several minor lacerations to both of his hands as the suspect attempted to slash at his torso.  The female clerk heard the struggle and came out to investigate.  The suspect demanded money and the cook told her to go get money.  She complied.  When she returned with the money, the suspect was holding the cook with the box cutter to the cook’s throat.  She handed the suspect the money, got keys from the cook, unlocked a gate and let the suspect out of the secured breezeway area.  The suspect fled N/B from the business toward the San Carlos area of San Diego (the restaurant sits right on the border of the La Mesa & San Diego). LMPD officers & SDPD officers with the assistance of the SDPD ABLE helicopter searched for the suspect, but were not able to locate the suspect.  The cook’s injuries were determined to be minor by paramedics and he declined further medical treatment other than first aid.  The cash loss is undetermined at this time.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male adult, unknown age.  He was appr. 5’-8” tall, mid-20s in age and he was wearing a dark blue or black sweater and black pants.   His face was mostly covered by an unknown article of clothing and the suspect spoke mostly Spanish.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the La Mesa Police Department at 619-667-1400.