Fast-Food Customer Shot in 1 of 2 Heists

HUNTINGTON BEACH —  Two fast-food restaurants, both on Beach Boulevard, were hit by robbers in unrelated incidents, and one customer in a drive-through lane was shot as he struggled with the robber, police said Friday.

The victim, Steven Vuong, 30, of Westminster, was in good condition Friday, but his attacker remains at large. He was approached by the robber at 9:50 p.m. Thursday at a Jack-in-the-Box, Lt. Jeff Cope said.

“The suspect came up from behind the drive-through order board, placed a handgun against the victim’s chest and demanded money,” Cope said. “As the victim pulled his wallet from his pocket, he reached up with his other hand and pushed the gun away from his chest.”

During the struggle, the gunman grabbed Vuong by the throat then shot him in the right thigh. He then reached into the car and grabbed Vuong’s wallet, which was said to contain $2,000, from the front seat.

The gunman was last seen running south on Beach Boulevard, Cope said.

In another robbery of a fast-food restaurant Thursday, a gunman at a McDonald’s restaurant escaped with $284 just after 3 p.m. and led officers on a freeway chase, police said.

Huntington and Newport Beach police caught and arrested Richard B. Johnson, 41, of Costa Mesa, who is accused of taking the money from the restaurant.