Search for robbery suspect prompts lockdown of Petaluma elementary school

A reported armed robbery at a Petaluma check cashing business briefly caused the lockdown of a nearby elementary school earlier today, and Petaluma police said they are looking for information about the suspect.

Multiple officers from the Petaluma Police Department responded to a Check Into Cash establishment at 201 S. McDowell Blvd. at around 12:50 p.m. today after a report that a knife-wielding man had stolen an undisclosed amount of money from the business. An employee told police that the suspect then fled the business on foot.

Officers were unable to locate the suspect after searching the area, and it is unknown whether he was associated with any vehicles. The incident briefly caused the lockdown of the nearby McDowell Elementary School, according to police Sgt. Brian Miller.

The suspect was described as a male between 20 and 30 years old, and was wearing a tan sweatshirt, shorts and a bandana concealing their face during the incident, police said. Those with information that may help identify the suspect are asked to contact Petaluma Police Officer Daria Giomi at 707-781-1237.

(Contact Eric Gneckow at eric.gneckow@arguscourier.com. On Twitter @Eric_Reports)