2 robbers climb in McDonald's drive-through window, demand money

Single shot fired before men took money

LAKE CITY, Fla – Two masked men climbed through the drive-through window of a Lake City McDonald's early Monday morning, ordered employees onto the ground at gunpoint, then forced one of them to open the safe, according to the Lake City Police Department.

Officers said both men were carrying handguns and one shot was fired into the floor of the office area of the restaurant during the 1:20 a.m. robbery. No one was injured.

After the robbers got the money from the safe and the cash drawers, they left through the drive-through window.

Lake City officers set up a perimeter and K-9s from Baker Correctional Institution attempted to track the culprits. The dogs tracked the robbers for about six blocks, where police believe the men were either picked up or they had a car parked for their getaway.

The two men have not yet been found.

Police described both as black males. One was wearing tan shorts, a black shirt and black shoes with a mask covering his face. The second was wearing black shorts, black shirt, black shoes and had a mask covering his face.

The Lake City Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying the robbers. If you were near the restaurant on Main Boulevard in Lake City between 12:45 and 2 a.m. and saw anything or anyone who could be involved, you are asked to call 386-752-4343.

Drive-thru safety

This incident has some thinking about their own safety when they go to get take out. News4Jax crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson said its a good reminder to always be aware of your surroundings- even for customers waiting in the drive-thru line.

"When you drive up in a drive-thru window such as this, you always want to keep your window up of your vehicle until you get to the actual drive-thru window, then let it down to do the transaction then let it back up. Keep your doors locked, always watch around you to see if anyone is walking up or acting suspiciously," Jefferson said.


About the Authors:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.