Masked men rob Tampa Sonic

TAMPA -- Police are searching for two masked men and their getaway driver after a Sonic restaurant was robbed at gunpoint this morning.

Tampa Police say that at 6:20 a.m., a blue Crown Victoria drove up to the Sonic at 2523 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Two men, wearing dark ski suits and ski masks got out of the car and approached the store manager and an employee who were sitting outside.

At gunpoint, the men forced the employees inside, police say. One suspect ordered the manager to open the safe, while the other removed the cash drawer from the drive-thru register. The employee was ordered to lay face down on the floor.

Before they left, police say one suspect shot at the store manager, who was hit in the right foot. The manager was later transported to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

The suspects fled into the car, and drove eastbound on Beach Street.

Police are urging anyone with information to call Crimestoppers, at 1-800-873-TIPS.

-- Alexandra Zayas, Times Staff