Police Release Description of Violent Robber of OK Cleaners

El Cerrito police, who are seeking the man who and attacked two people working there, provided a description of the robber this morning, Thursday.

The man, who robbed OK Cleaners at 6109 Potrero Ave. about 3 p.m. Tuesday, was about 40 years old, African-American, medium-height with a muscular build, and wearing dark shirt and pants, police Detective Sgt. Scott Cliatt said.

The man entered the business, went behind the counter, struck two people working there, took money from the cash register and fled, according to police. The two victims were taken to a hospital where they were treated for their injuries and released, Cliatt said.

A visit by Patch to the cleaners Wednesday found three people working inside, including a woman with large bruises and swelling on her face. They declined to speak about the crime.

Police are investigating the case and "have some promising leads," Cliatt said.

The business is located on Potrero between San Pablo Avenue and Interstate 80, about five blocks from the Big O Tires parking lot where an 81-year-old El Cerrito woman was found brutally beaten and sexually assaulted on Jan. 29. Richmond police are seeking the assailant in that case.

Anyone who saw the robber or may have information of possible help in identifying him is asked to contact police at 510-215-4400 during normal business hours or 510-237-3233 night and weekends.

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