IN BRIEF

--Greg Risling

Police are looking for an armed robber who got away with more than

$500 from a Costa Mesa store.

The holdup occurred just before 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Smart & Final

store in the 700 block of West 19th Street, police said.

The robber, described as calm and collected, went straight to the

checkout counter, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the

register, police said. He then ordered another clerk to empty her cash

drawer as well.

The gunman then ran out the front door and employees called police. No

one was injured.

The robber was described as Latino, about 17 to 19 years old, with

dark hair and a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt

and black pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Costa Mesa Police

Department at (714) 754-5281.