ARMED ROBBERS FORCE CUSTOMERS INTO FREEZER AT MOUNT DORA MCDONALD'S

Photo: File photo by Mount Dora Buzz

The McDonald’s restaurant at 18900 US. 441 in Mount Dora was robbed at gunpoint early this morning. 

The victims told police three black males, dressed in all black and wearing black masks or bandanas, came into the restaurant carrying small guns while customers were inside.  The incident happened at approximately 3:30 a.m.    No injuries were reported.

A manager was made to open the cash registers and a safe while customers and employees were told to lay on the floor. They were then forced to the back of the restaurant into the walk-in freezer.    One of the victims reported having a gun placed against her back while being shoved into the freezer.  The victims were locked in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes during which time they attempted to call 911 but there was no service. 

The thieves threatened to shoot a pregnant employee if she didn't hurry.  They made off with a bag of cash, the register drawers, and cell phones.  

As the robbery was in progress, a driver pulled into the drive-thru.  A suspect reportedly pointed a gun at that driver, resulting in the driver leaving and immediately calling 911.

After the robbery the suspects fled on foot, a witness outside the McDonald’s said they ran southbound on Donnelly Street where a K-9 was able to track them, but lost the scent.

This is the second armed robbery at the location in recent months.  The first one was February 11 at 3 a.m.

Of the three men wearing all black, one of the men was reportedly wearing Dickies and a sweater-like shirt. A witness described one of the weapons as silver and possibly a .38 or .45 caliber handgun  If anyone knows anything, they are asked to call Mount Dora Police or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. ​

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