Do You Know This Gunman Who Robbed Two El Cajon Eateries?

Authorities asked the public Thursday for help in identifying a gun-toting young man who robbed an El Cajon restaurant and made a failed attempt to repeat the crime at a nearby eatery two days later.

The thief, who appeared to be in his early 20s, pulled a pistol on an employee at a Subway sandwich shop in the 200 block of West Main Street and stole cash late Monday evening, according to police.

About 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, the same man tried to rob a Rally's restaurant in the 1200 block of East Main Street but wound up fleeing empty-handed, Lt. Frank La Haye said. It was unclear why the bandit gave up on the holdup attempt.

The robber was described as a roughly 5-foot-8-inch, 150-pound Asian or black man, wearing dark-colored pants and a gray-and-black hooded sweat shirt.

Anyone with information about the case may was asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

-City News Service