DeBary, FL-Deputies are investigating an armed robbery at a DeBary IHOP Friday night that is strikingly similar to several previous crimes in the area and one in Orlando. Shortly before 11:30 last night, three men dressed in dark clothing and armed with handguns forced employees and customers into a freezer at the IHOP on Dirksen Drive. The men wore hooded clothing or bandanas over their faces. No shots were fired.
Sheriff’s Office spokesman Gary Davidson says wallets were taken from victims and one employee was roughed up. The robbers ordered an employee to open the safe, but she told them she wasn’t able to access it.
Deputies searched the area with K-9 units and the VCSO helicopter. Orange City police also helped in the search.
Deputies are looking for two vehicles seen behind the business that might be involved. They are only described as a gold-colored minivan and a silver colored passenger car
Similar crimes happened earlier this month when three armed men robbed a Subway in Port Orange,a Perkins in DeBary and a Subway in Daytona Beach. In those crimes employees and customers were forced into the freezer by men in dark clothing.
An Orlando restaurant was recently robbed by three men in a similar fashion.
2015 Southern Stone Communications Copyright