Knife-Wielding Man Robs North Fair Oaks Business: Cops

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County sheriff's officials on Monday asked for the public's help with finding a man who robbed a local business at knife-point.

The incident happened Thursday evening at Taqueria El Tulense, which is located in the 2300 block of Spring Street in the unincorporated part of San Mateo County known as North Fair Oaks, according to sheriff's Det. Rosemerry Blankswade.

"During the investigation, deputies learned a Hispanic male adult, wearing all black clothing and a red bandanna covering his face, entered the business at 6:50 p.m.," Blankswade said in a news release. "The suspect approached an employee armed with a knife, and told the employee to open the cash register."

The employee complied, and the man took the cash, according to authorities.

"The suspect was inside the business for less than a minute and fled southbound on Spring Street after the robbery was committed," Blankswade said.

The sheriff's department responded to the scene and conducted an "extensive search," she said. However, the man could not be found.

Authorities released the above surveillance photos of the man in the hopes that someone may recognize him. Though a bit grainy, officials said they are the best available images.

If you have any information related to the crime, you're asked to call 911 or the anonymous tip line at 1-800-547-2700.

— Images courtesy San Mateo County Sheriff's Office