Suspect in Diner Assault Sought

Sheriff’s investigators on Sunday asked for the public’s assistance in finding a man who assaulted the manager of a local diner during an unsuccessful robbery attempt.

The incident occurred about 4:50 p.m. Sunday at Clifton’s Cafe, which is in the 24100 block of Paseo de Valencia in an unincorporated part of Laguna Hills. A sheriff’s spokesman said the manager was summoned into the cafe’s restroom by the would-be robber, who then demanded money.

The robber appeared to be holding a handgun concealed by a piece of cloth, authorities said. The manager refused to hand over any money and walked out of the restroom. The two men then became involved in a fistfight in the dining area.

The manager suffered a cut under his eye. The robber fled the store empty-handed. He was described as black, in his mid-40s, about 6-foot-2, with a thin build and salt-and-pepper hair.

Sheriff’s investigators have asked that anyone with information about the incident call them at (714) 834-7381.