Robber Demands Cash; Possible Getaway Vehicle Found Abandoned

A bandana-wearing suspect is being sought in the robbery Wednesday evening of a Murrieta sandwich shop.

At about 6:20 p.m., employees of Submarina California Subs, 33040 Antelope Road, called police to report that a man wearing a blue bandana over his face had demanded they empty the cash register, according to Murrieta police Sgt. Dave Baca.

The sergeant said it was unclear whether the suspect, described by employees as a tall, darker-complected man wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and yellow Lakers shorts, had a weapon.

“They said he had his hands in his pockets,” Baca said.

The man allegedly got away with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to the sergeant.

“Witnesses said the suspect fled on foot [out the front door] and got into a waiting gray Nissan Armada SUV, which drove away from the location at a high rate of speed,” Baca said.

A short time later, Baca said an employee of Submarina reported seeing the same type of vehicle abandoned near the intersection of Scott and Menifee roads, about a mile from the restaurant.

Officers responded to the intersection and found that the front and rear left tires of the Armada were blown out, he said.

Police did not immediately locate the suspect or the driver of the vehicle, according to the sergeant.

“We are conducting follow-up and attempting to locate the suspect,” Baca said. “At this time it is an active case.”

The robbery suspect was described as 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing between 230 and 250 pounds. He had a darker complexion and possibly light-colored eyes, and was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, yellow Lakers shorts and a blue bandana, Baca said.

Anyone with information pertaining to the vehicle, robbery or suspect may call the Murrieta police dispatch line at 951-696-3615 and ask for Detective John Therien.

—Joe Fanaselle contributed to this report.