Man accused of robbing Pleasanton Jack in the Box where he once worked

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- A 19-year-old man is behind bars after allegedly robbing a Jack in the Box in Pleasanton where he formerly worked.

Police said Courtney Dariko Townsel ran into the restaurant at 4295 Valley Avenue around 10:20 p.m. Thursday wearing a mask. He then jumped the front counter and ran to the back of the restaurant where he accessed an unlocked safe and took an undisclosed amount of cash, according to police.

Police said the suspect pushed several employees during the robbery but no weapons were displayed and no injuries were reported.

Responding officers set up a perimeter in the area and located three men leaving a nearby apartment complex.

One of the men, identified as Townsel, was in possession of cash from the robbery and eventually admitted to committing the crime, police said.

The suspect later showed officers where he hid the pants, sweat jacket and gloves used in the robbery, according to police.

Police said Townsel was a former employee of the restaurant and was familiar with the establishment's layout and safe operation.

All of the stolen cash was recovered.