Patch received the following press release from Captain Paul Conlon of the Maplewood Police Department at 2:57 p.m. today:

The Maplewood Police Department reports that, at approximately 5:43 a.m. on Friday, March 12, an armed subject confronted a male employee of the Dunkin' Donuts at 2001 Springfield Avenue in an attempt to commit a robbery of the store.

The employee was walking into the kitchen area when he was surprised by the suspect who brandished a handgun and demanded that the manager's office be opened. The employee was able to escape from the suspect and ran towards the front of the store. As the employee was heading towards the door, he advised another worker and several customers to run out the front door.

It is believed that the suspect was able to exit through the rear of the store to make his getaway. No money was taken from the store. One employee suffered a minor injury when he fell exiting the front door. 

The suspect is described as a black male, 6' tall, medium build, wearing a black face mask, black hoodie, and tan cargo pants. The suspect was also carrying a sling-style backpack. He was reportedly armed with a small silver automatic handgun. 

If you have any information related to the incident, contact Maplewood detectives at 973-762-3400, ext. 7905.