A dramatic predawn armed robbery Sunday shook the nerves of a Manteca pharmacy and drug store staffers  in the 1000 block of North Main Street.
Manteca  Police received a call reporting an armed robbery in progress at the store at 4:41 a.m. Officers were on the scene within two minutes of the call,  hoping they could detain the robbers while still in the store.
The first robber described as being a black male, standing about six feet tall jumped the counter. Armed with a hand gun, he confronted a staffer demanding narcotics from the pharmacy.  The employee reportedly pointed to the narcotics and fled to the rear of the store as the robbery was reported to another employee.
Sgt. Jodie Estarziau said three patrol officers arrived on the scene within a couple minutes of the 911 call to the police dispatcher.  One of the suspects had fled the building while the whereabouts of the second suspect was unknown.  Employees were escorted outside by officers while they searched the interior of the store.
The second suspect was described as a black male adult, shorter than his comrade but with a stockier build.  He was wearing a multi-colored scarf hiding his face. 
Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the Manteca Police Department at 209.456.8101 or by calling Crime Stoppers 209.823.4636.