Armed Robber Holds Up La Quinta Pizza Joint, Pepper-Sprays Employee

Police are looking Tuesday for a man suspected of holding up a La Quinta pizza shop and pepper spraying an employee before taking off with some cash from the register.

The incident happened around 11 p.m. Monday night at the Lamppost Pizza at 78-772 Highway 111, just east of Washington Street, according to Riverside Sheriff's Sergeant Mike Tapp.

According to Tapp, a man walked into the restaurant with a gun and pepper spray, demanding money from the cash register.

"The suspect sprayed an employee with pepper spray, and left the business with an undisclosed amount of cash," Tapp said.  "The suspect fled the area on foot."

The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 5'-11" and 200 lbs.  He was wearing dark clothing, and had a mask over his face, Tapp said.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Investigator Diaz from the Thermal Sheriff's Station Investigations Bureau at 760-863-8990.