Attempted Armed Robbery Reported At Westport Restaurant: Police

WESTPORT, CT — A man armed with a box cutter attempted to rob the Panera Bread restaurant on the Post Road East in Westport Friday night, according to police.

No injuries were reported in the 9 p.m. incident, and the suspect ran out of the establishment and disappeared before police officers arrived.

"Upon arrival, officers learned the suspect entered through the front door and approached an employee at the service counter," wrote Westport Police Lt. Jillian Cabana in a statement. "While displaying a box cutter, he instructed the employee not to move and then walked him to the rear of the establishment past other employees. The suspect then returned to the front of the store where he unsuccessfully attempted to open the cash registers. Returning to the rear of the restaurant, he then attempted to gain access to the office, but was unable to make entry."

At that point, the suspect then ran out the front door, and was last seen running westbound through the parking lot.

The suspect is described as having a thin build and standing approximately 5 feet, 6 inches tall. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a ski mask, blue jeans, blue and white sneakers and gloves.

Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect is urged to contact the Westport Police Detective Bureau at 203-341-6080.