An armed robbery happened at the McDonald’s inside the Publix shopping center, according to the RHPD Criminal Investigation Unit.

According to RHPD Det. Mike Albritton, on July 19, several men wearing black clothing, masks and wielding guns entered the restaurant just after midnight.

Four employees were on duty and inside the restaurant. Three of them were cleaning up while the manager was counting money.

Albritton said the armed robbers forced the three employees into a cooler. In the process, one employee was allegedly pushed to the ground and kicked. No other injuries were reported.

Albritton said the female manager was then confronted and $2,600 in cash was taken. He said the manager was then forced into a cooler as well.

"They were told to count to an undisclosed number before exiting the cooler," Albritton said. "The surveillance cameras show them exiting the cooler about two to three minutes later."

Albritton said cameras caught most of the activity, but a clear description of the suspects’ vehicle could not be made out.

The investigation on this matter is ongoing and Albritton said several leads are being followed. He encourages anyone with information on this incident to call the tip line at 459-BUST.