Employees, customers safely evacuated from frightening Oakland robbery attempt

OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland police are investigating an attempted robbery at a clothing store in the Fruitvale district where employees and customers eventually exited the building safely with their hands up as a precaution.

The robbery attempt was reported at 8:38 p.m. Monday at K & G Fashion Superstore on E. Ninth Street near Fruitvale Avenue. Police spokeswoman Johnna Watson said that at least one man entered the store and demanded cash from an employee. But the suspect fled without stealing anything, Watson said, as police appeared on the scene. Watson said she wasn't sure if the suspect was armed or not.

Video at the scene shows several adults and children exiting the store with their hands up, as police "safely evacuated" them, Watson said.

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story had information about the employees hiding in the bathroom and more armed suspects being involved. That information has not been independently verfied.