Two suspects were in custody Saturday on suspicion they stole the tip jar from Tomato Joe’s Pizza in Valencia around 8 p.m. Saturday night, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station officials said.
A female suspect ran into the restaurant located on the 27700 block of McBean Parkway and tried to grab a container filled with employees’ tips while a male suspect waited for her outside, according to SCV Sheriff’s Station Watch Commander Lt. Rod Loughridge.
The male suspect then proceeded to confront store employees who pursued the female suspect as she fled the store, added Loughridge.
Deputies arrived on scene minutes later, detaining both individuals.
Sheriff’s Department officials were unable to confirm if anyone was injured in the robbery. “The investigation is still ongoing,” said Loughridge.
The male suspect was transported to the hospital after he could be seen vomiting while leaning out of the back seat of a Sheriff’s Department patrol car.
Fire Department officials were unable to confirm if drugs or alcohol were involved.