CALIFORNIA, Md. - Armed robberies, which have been common occurrences in Charles County in recent months, are now spreading into St. Mary's County at an alarming pace. Just past midnight on Thursday morning, the Checkers Fast Food Restaurant, located in front of the California, Md. Wal-Mart, was robbed at gunpoint by two men.
According to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, on Dec. 28, 2006 at approximately 12:19 a.m., deputies and officers from the Maryland State Police (MSP) responded to the restaurant for the reported armed robbery.
The preliminary investigation conducted by patrol officers revealed that two males wearing dark clothing displayed handguns and demanded money. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of money and fled the scene on foot. No injuries were reported.
Officers canvassed the area with the use of the Maryland State Police Helicopter. No suspects were located after an extensive search was conducted.
Detectives Alexander and Rossignol of the St. Mary's County Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) later responded to the scene to assume the investigation.
Police are asking anyone with information about the crime to contact either the St. Mary's County Sheriff's office at 301-475-4040 or the Maryland State Police at 301-475-8955. Information leading to an arrest could result in a cash reward up to $2,000.