Armed Man Robs Store, Steals Clerk's Watch

LAKE ELSINORE - A search was underway today for a man who held up a store just north of Lake Elsinore, stealing money, cigarettes -- and the checkout clerk's wristwatch.

It happened about 11:50 p.m. Wednesday at a convenience store in the 23000 block of Temescal Canyon Road, just off Interstate 15, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Sgt. Todd Pauling said a man walked into the store and asked for a pack of cigarettes, but when it came time to pay, instead of reaching for his wallet, the suspect pulled up his shirt and showed the clerk a black handgun tucked inside his waistband, then demanded money.

''The suspect also demanded the clerk's wristwatch,'' Pauling said. ''The suspect left the store with an undisclosed amount of money and the watch.''

According to the sergeant, the man fled in an older model green four- door Honda.

He was described as Hispanic, in his early to mid-30s, about 5-foot-6 and 160 pounds, with a light mustache. He was wearing a gray sweatshirt, black cap and dark gray sweat pants.

Anyone with information was asked to call the sheriff's Lake Elsinore station at (951) 245-3354.