Monday, Jan. 9, 2012

MARTINEZ, Ga. -- Investigators are looking into an incident where a man got away with $99 from a Taco Bell on Dec. 14.

When employees at the store on S. Belair Road were counting down registers for that night, they noticed one of their registers was $99 short.

After looking over the transactions for the register, it was discovered that a man paid for a meal with a $100 bill. They then watched video footage and saw the suspect hand over the bill. As the cashier was counting out change, he swiped the bill back. He then handed the cashier 81 cents so the change would be even. The cashier, unaware of him taking back the bill, handed him $99.

The video tape revealed two black males and one black female entered the store around 9:30 p.m. The female left shortly after and the two males waited in line to make the order. The two men were the ones who went up to talk to the cashier. While she was talking to one of the men, the other man took the bill back and stuck it in his front pocket.

Then, a third black male entered the store, standing beside both men. Police say it appears the three were all working together to distract the cashier.

All of the suspects left around 9:38 p.m. and got into a silver passenger car with dark, tinted windows.

If you have any information, contact the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.