ORLANDO, Fla. – Two robbers pistol-whipped a pregnant employee and got away with her cash and phone after discovering that there was no cash to steal from an Orlando IHOP, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Two men with guns entered the restaurant at 2534 33rd St. on Monday at 2:41 a.m. and demanded cash, but there was no active register, authorities said.
Surveillance video from the restaurant showed the two men walking past an advertisement for pumpkin pancakes before reappearing 30 second later with the IHOP employee. They took her wallet and cellphone.
"I don't even have the words to describe that, how can you do that to someone. Just knowing that happened right there it puts you on edge," said John Jackson.
Jackson is staying at the hotel next door, and was shocked to hear that the incident happened so close to the Orange County Jail.
"Considering that the jail is so close and so heavily guarded there, why this IHOP? Why this one, right next to my hotel?" said Jackson.
Deputies said the accused robbers are between the ages of 18 and 25. One man has a slight build and was wearing all black, carrying a black semi-automatic weapon. The second man has an average build and was wearing a black hoodie with white skull shapes all over it. He carried a silver revolver, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The victim was treated for a minor head wound.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477.