A masked gunman entered a Gardnerville restaurant early Wednesday morning and locked three people in a storage room before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The robbery occurred about 2:10 a.m. as two employees and a patron were inside Hamdogs Bar and Restaurant at 1267 Highway 395.
"The suspect fired a single round from his weapon during the initial confrontation to gain the attention and compliance of those inside the business," said Sgt. Tom Mezzetta, of the Douglas County Sheriff's Department.
He then herded the trio into a storeroom where he locked them inside and fled with the money.
About 10 minutes later, Mezzetta said, the three hostages were able to escape and call for help.
The gunman was wearing a two-tone blue sweatshirt with light pants. There was no further description of the suspect or a vehicle, he said.
Anyone with information concerning this crime is encouraged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Department at 783-9935 or Secret Witness at 782-7463. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered in the arrest and/or conviction of the person responsible.