TEMECULA (PRESS RELEASE) - On Thursday, 11/15/12, at 3:52 PM, officers with the Temecula Police Department responded to an attempted robbery at Denny's restaurant, located on Rancho California Road in the Old Town area of Temecula.

Officers were notified of the robbery attempt after a lone suspect, described as a white male adult in his early to mid-twenties, approximately 5'10 inches tall, having a slightly husky build and short dark hair, brandished what appeared to be a dark-colored replica handgun to a female cashier. Advertisement

[ The Tutoring Center ] The suspect attempted to grab cash from a register, but was thwarted when the cashier grabbed his arm and screamed.

The unsuccessful suspect was chased by customers as he fled on foot through the restaurant's front doorway. He was able to escape prior to police arrival. Evidence was recovered at the scene, and investigators are pursuing leads in order to identify and apprehend the suspect.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Temecula Police Department Detective Bureau at (951) 696-3000.