08 August 2008
Hamilton Police are searching for a gunman who robbed a crowded fast food restaurant in the city overnight.
Detective Daryl Smith said the man, dressed in overalls, entered the McDonalds Te Rapa restaurant on the corner of Te Rapa and Pukete Roads about 7.30pm.
"He has gained access to the rear of the premises, approached the manager and drawn out a handgun, demanding cash.
"The offender has then left on foot heading in a north-easterly direction towards Pukete Rd," he said.
Police are concerned the man, described as Caucasian aged in his 20s about 174-175cm tall and wearing blue-green overalls felt little need to disguise his appearance despite the restaurant being busy at the time.
"There were quite a few people coming and going from the store as well as eating their meals inside at the time of the robbery," said Mr Smith.
"The adjacent car park and Shell service station were also pretty busy and we've been speaking to quite a few people about the incident last night and today."
Mr Smith said Police were keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a man matching the offender's description either before or after the robbery or noticed anything else that may have appeared suspicious.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mr Smith via the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.
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