Newly released surveillance video shows a not-so-funny suspect in a frightening clown mask holding a San Diego gas station clerk at gunpoint in one of three, possibly related robberies
The video comes from the USA Gas Station on Morena Boulevard in Bay Park, which was robbed on Aug. 6.
In the footage, a man in a clown mask, rainbow wig, black pants and black hooded sweatshirt is seen walking through the door with handgun held at his waist. He waves it at the clerk, who is standing by the store's drink display, and tells him to get behind the counter.
The worker complies and opens the cash register.
"Put it all in the plastic bag. Hurry up," the suspect is heard saying on the video.
"I don't want to blow a hole in you, man. Hurry it up," he continues.
After the clerk fills the white plastic bag, the suspect grabs it and walks out. Before he leaves, the calm cashier utters, "Have a good night, man."
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Detectives are trying to determine if this clown is responsible for two similar incidents, or if it is the work of a copy cat.
The most recent robbery happened around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday at the 7-Eleven at 4080 Convoy St. in Kearny Mesa.
A man in his 20s or 30s wearing a clown mask and carrying a large frame revolver approached the clerk and demanded cash, according to San Diego police. The cashier handed over an undisclosed amount of money, and the suspect bolted out the door.
The crime wasn’t reported until 8:30 a.m. because the clerk didn’t know protocol, police said.
On Aug. 13, a thief struck 7-Eleven at 6615 Linda Vista Rd. In that case, the suspect was wearing a clown mask and rainbow-colored wig, had a thin build and was armed with a gun.
The USA Gas Station decided to release its surveillance footage to help the SDPD get an arrest.
