Suspect sought in armed robbery at El Torito Grill in Yorba Linda

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (KABC) -- Sheriff's deputies are searching for a suspect who brandished a semi-automatic handgun and robbed an El Torito Grill restaurant in Yorba Linda on Sunday.

The suspect fled with approximately $5,000 in cash, the Orange County Sheriff's Department said.

The suspect cut the lock to a rear gate and entered the business through an employee entrance, deputies said.

He brandished his weapon, forced two employees to the manager's office and demanded cash from the safe. He then fled the scene, apparently on foot.

Investigators believe the same suspect may have robbed Mimi's Cafe in Whittier in April 2015. He was described as a black male, standing at about 5 feet 9 inches tall, 160-170 pounds. The suspect was last seen wearing a long-sleeve white and gray shirt, gray jeans and gloves, and a white and black bandanna covering his face.

Anyone with further information regarding this suspect was asked to call the Orange County Sheriff's Department at (714) 779-7098.