Sikeston police seeking suspect in Applebee's robbery

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Law enforcement are on the lookout for a suspected armed robber and the vehicle he stole during an incident at Sikeston restaurant this morning.

The Sikeston Department of Public Safety was alerted around 6:15 a.m. to an armed robbery at Applebee's Bar and Grill, 1260 S. Main. The suspect is a male between 5 foot and 5 foot four inches tall, and small in stature, weighing about 130 pounds, said Sgt. Jim McMillen, public information officer for DPS.

He fled in a stolen vehicle, a dark blue four-door 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, with plates 7AW-40L. The vehicle also had a spoiler on the back, according to McMillen.

According to the two workers who were there taking inventory, the incident occurred just after 6 a.m. The two heard a buzzer and then answered the back door, thinking it was a delivery.

"But, it was a male with a handgun," said McMillen. The suspect had a bandana over his face and demanded money. Workers gave him an undisclosed amount of cash.

"He then told them to get into the cooler," said McMillen. "They listened and he left."

When DPS officials arrived on the scene, they cut through the back gate to gain access into the building. Neither worker received any physical injuries during the incident.

This morning, DPS alerted other law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the vehicle and suspect. McMillen also asked the general public to be on the lookout.

"But if anyone sees him, don't approach him," McMillen cautioned. "He is armed and dangerous."

Anyone with information is asked to contact DPS at 471-6200 or the CrimeStoppers line at 471-1500.

Pertinent address:

1260 S Main St, Sikeston, Mo.