Masked Robber Opens Fire at Sprouts in Encinitas

A masked robber shot his way into a closed grocery store in Encinitas early today while three employees were inside but no one was hurt, authorities said. 

The Sprouts Farmers Market at 1327 Encinitas Blvd. was robbed about 1:20 a.m., according to San Diego County sheriff's Sgt. William Dreyer. 

The gunman tried several times to pry open the front door of the business, then gave up and fired a rifle round through it to get inside, Dreyer said. He then walked to the rear of the store and fired five more shots into the locked door of a rear office and additional rounds were fired to open a safe, he said.

The robber fled into a residential area located behind the store, according to the sergeant. The loss was not disclosed.

The gunman was described as a 20-something white man, last seen wearing blue pants, a blue flannel jacket, black beanie cap and ski mask. 

—City News Service