Police: Masked man sought in armed robbery at McDonald's near UF

McDonald's surveillance images provided by Gainesville Police Department

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A man is sought in connection with an armed robbery at a McDonald's near the University of Florida campus, the Gainesville Police Department announced Friday.

Police said the man entered the restaurant on East University Avenue just after 6:30 p.m. Thursday, pulled a mask over his face, took out a gun and demanded money from the employees.

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After taking the money, police said, he then ran off.

Police described the man as an 18- to 24-year-old black male, between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall, weighing 160 to 180 pounds and wearing a black ball cap, light-colored button-down shirt and light-colored pants.  

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Barry Kays at 352-393-7664. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 352-372-STOP or visit www.stopcrime.tv.

News4Jax Crime and Safety Analyst Gil Smith said to also pay attention to the man’s mannerisms.
He said the store employee handled the situation the right way.

"She tried to open the safe but she could not get it open and she very calmly explain that to him and explained why she couldn't get it open," Smith said. "You shouldn't play games with people like this if you can open the safe open it because I've seen situations where the robber became frustrated and just shot the person."