Robber hits gas station; slots play continues

A masked man forced a convenience-store cashier to lie on the floor during a robbery early Monday morning while two people played slot machines nearby.

According to the Carson City Sheriff's Department, the robber entered the Winner's Corner at Rand Avenue and William Street shortly after midnight.

"He walked behind the counter and said 'Where's the money?'" said Carson City Detective Bob Motamenpour. "Then he tells her to get on the ground face down."

Two customers playing the slot machines noticed something was amiss, he said, but continued to play so as not to draw attention to themselves.

Motamenpour said the man held his hand inside his pocket as though he had a weapon and emptied both registers. The clerk said she never actually saw a weapon.

As soon as the robber fled, the clerk called police.

The man is described as 6 feet tall, 160 pounds. He is believed to be either Hispanic or African-American. He was last seen wearing a blue or green windbreaker, dark pants and gloves.

The entire incident lasted about two minutes, Motamenpour said.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.