OLD ORCHARD BEACH (NEWS CENTER Maine) — Multiple police agencies are investigating southern Maine's eighth armed robbery in just over a week.
The latest took place shortly before 3:40 p.m. Thursday at China Eatery on Ocean Park Road.
Restaurant owner Zita Chen told NEWS CENTER Maine the robbery lasted no more than 20 seconds. He said a man entered, flashed a gun at her and customers – directing them to the back of the dining area – and took about $500 from the register, though she's unsure if that was the total amount.
The restaurant has since been reopened to customers.
Officials said the perpetrator fled on foot. Scarborough police used a K-9 to track the suspect's trail to a side street but came up with nothing.
Old Orchard Beach Police Chief Dana Kelley when asked about the likelihood of this armed robbery being connected to the several others that have occurred nearby over the last two weeks said it's too early in the investigation to know for sure.
"It has some similarities, obviously, but at this point we don’t know for sure," Chief Kelley said. "We'll be working with the other departments in Cumberland County that have had similar incidents to see if we can get some information that may help us or help them and put an end to this."
Kelly said patrons inside during the robbery were obviously upset but doing fine.
"It’s very difficult for anyone to have a firearm stuck in their face and their upset but they’re doing OK," Kelley said. "They’ll be fine."
Police investigated a possible robbery attempt Tuesday night at a South Portland coffee shop. An employee told NEWS CENTER Maine a man tapped on the store's window with a gun. She fled to the bathroom and called police using her Apple Watch.
The suspect in the armed robbery at China Eatery is described by police as a white male with a thin build, 5 feet 8 inches tall with blonde hair wearing dark clothes.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact your local police department.