Palo Alto Tobacco Store Clerk Pistol-Whipped During Robbery

PALO ALTO, CA — A Palo Alto tobacco store was the target of an armed robbery Thursday night, according to the Palo Alto Police Department.

Eight suspects entered Raw Smoke Shop at 265 California Avenue just before 10 p.m. Thursday and stole merchandise and the cash register.

The clerk, a man in his 50s, was pistol-whipped during the incident, according to police. He sustained minor head injuries but declined medical attention.

Police said that at least two of the suspects were holding handguns. They fled the scene after the robbery.

Police are investigating the incident.