Recycling center robbed in southeast Fresno

Fresno police are hunting a bandit who robbed a recycling center in southeast Fresno Thursday morning.

Lt. Joe Gomez said the crime took place about 10 a.m. at the center behind a supermarket at Tulare and Chestnut avenues. The victim told officers that the suspect brought in “a few cans” to exchange for cash. The victim said he walked into the recycling container and the suspect ignored a sign telling customers to stay outside. The suspect then pulled out a silver-colored handgun and demanded cash. The suspect took the money and ran east through the parking lot.

The bandit was described as a Hispanic man in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5-feet, 7-inches tall with a thin build and long curly black hair. He is missing several front teeth. He was last seen wearing a white jacket, black pants and black baseball cap. He wore a tan scarf over his face and carried a Ironman backpack.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 12:38 PM with the headline "Recycling center robbed in southeast Fresno."