Robbers posing as cops target fast-food joints

One of the suspects is seen at the left in this surveillance camera photo.

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Story Published: Oct 30, 2009 at 8:04 AM PST

By KOMO Staff

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TACOMA, Wash. - Crooks masquerading as police officers have kidnapped and robbed fast-food restaurant managers three times in the past month, and now detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying them.

In all three incidents, restaurant managers in Pierce County were pulled over by a vehicle with red-and-blue flashing lights shortly after closing and leaving their restaurant.

Two unidentified suspects wearing bandanas over their faces then approached the victims' vehicle, flashed guns and handcuffed the victim.

Then one of the robbers drives the victim back to the restaurant and forces the victim to unlock the doors at gunpoint, open the safe and give them cash.

The second robber then picks up the first suspect after the kidnapping and robbery, detectives believe.

The kidnapping/robberies occurred:

• Sunday, Oct. 25, 2:30 a.m., Burger King on Mountain Highway in Graham

• Friday, Oct. 23, 3:15 a.m., Wendy’s on Hosmer St. in Tacoma (attempted robbery)

• Monday, Oct. 5, 12:40 a.m., McDonalds on Steilacoom Blvd. in Lakewood

The suspects have used vehicles described as a dark newer SUV and an older black Honda with tinted windows, with red-and-blue lights on the dashboard.

Both suspects are described as white men, 20 to 25 years old, standing about 5-feet-8-inches, with a thin build.

During the robberies, the suspects have been wearing dark hooded sweatshirts, dark hats, bandanas and gloves - and have been armed with handguns.

The kidnappings and robberies are being investigated by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, Lakewood Police and Tacoma Police.

A reward of $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and charges filed for the suspects in this case. To contact police, call 253-591-5959. All callers will remain anonymous.

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