Armed Robber Hits Check-Cashing Business

A armed robber pulled a handgun on the clerk at a check-cashing business on Alto Street in the Canal area and demanded cash on Thursday, San Rafael Police said.

The robbery occurred at a 11:16 a.m. when the suspect entered the store and brandished the weapon. While the clerk was putting cash into a bag, the suspect pointed the gun at a customer and demanded that she give him all of her money. The customer told the suspect that she didn't have any money, authorities said.

The suspect then fled the scene on foot with the bag of cash. He was last seen walking eastbound on Larkspur Street.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, approximately five-foot three-inches to five-foot four-inches tall and weighing 160 to 165 pounds. 

The suspect was wearing a black ski-mask, bright blue hooded sweatshirt with red lettering or red symbol on the front, black jogging pants with a bright green stripe along the length of each leg, and a black baseball hat. The handgun was described as a small black semi-automatic.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call San Rafael Police at 415.485.3000 or Crime Stoppers at 800222-TIPS. This phone number will accommodate all languages.  Callers can remain anonymous and may earn a possible reward.