Gunman too scary for his own good

-- Sue Doyle

A gunman who allegedly attempted to rob a nail salon in Corona del Mar

was apparently so startling to patrons that they jumped from their chairs

and immediately fled the shop, police said.

The armed man, confused by the quick and unexpected exodus of customers

and employees, turned and ran from the salon, too -- without so much as a

penny for his troubles.

He didn’t get too far.

Authorities arrested Michael Patrick Fischer, 20, of Fullerton, only a

few blocks away from the salon on suspicion of armed robbery.

The district attorney on Tuesday filed charges against Fischer at Harbor

Justice Center.

Management of The Derma Spa, at 3038 E. Coast Highway, didn’t find last

Friday’s incident a laughing matter.

Some manicurists are still shook up and don’t want to work late anymore.

Others are scared to come in early, said store manager Tammy Nguyen.

As a safety precaution, the salon’s doors are now locked in the late

afternoon, requiring patrons to knock and wait to be admitted.

“They’re scared someone will come in,” Nguyen said. “We do this to be

safe, otherwise they’re scared here.”