Employees chased with gun, but nothing stolen at restaurant

Middletown police are searching for a masked suspect who allegedly jumped the counter at a fast-food restaurant, chased employees outside, but never stole any money.

Lt. Scott Reeve called it an “unusual incident” because there was no robbery and it occurred at a time when students were in the parking lot playing “Nerf wars,” which involves using Nerf blasters or other foam-firing toy weapons in a wide range of games, from informal shootouts to ambushes and set-ups at restaurants, homes and businesses.

MORE: Middletown police issue ‘Nerf wars’ warning

Reeve said the suspect, who was wearing a mask and gloves, walked into the Subway restaurant on North Verity Parkway about 10:30 p.m. Friday, jumped the counter near the soda fountain, and showed at least two employees a handgun. Reeve said the employees ran out the back door, then to the front parking lot.

The suspect was last seen running out of the back of the store, Reeve said. He said no shots were fired and there were no injuries. One employee called 911 from a restaurant in the same strip mall, Reeve said.

Detectives have interviewed multiple people in their investigation of the incident as they search for the suspect, he said.

Anyone with any information about the robbery should call Middletown police at 513-425-7700.

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