Maplewood police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who pistol-whipped an employee at a Popeye’s Chicken restaurant last week.
Just before 10 p.m. Nov. 17, the man entered the restaurant in the 1900 block of Beam Avenue through the back entrance after two employees took out the trash, according to police.
Wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, red stocking cap, face mask and gloves, the man grabbed an employee from behind, placed a gun to his head and demanded that the safe be opened, police said.
The employee fought back. At some point during the struggle, the man pistol-whipped the employee and fled out the back door.
Police searched the area but didn’t find the man. It’s not known whether he fled in a car or on foot.
The suspect is black and 20 to 30 years old. He is between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs around 160 pounds. He also has arm tattoos.
Police released surveillance video of the incident.
The man is considered armed and dangerous and should not be confronted.
Anyone with information about his identity or whereabouts is asked to contact Maplewood police at 651-767-0640 or call 911. Tips can be provided anonymously by texting the word MAPLEWOOD followed by the tip information to TIP411. Individuals can also contact Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-8477.