An armed robber with a handgun robbed the Waffle Shop at 1229 N. Atherton St. early this morning, according to Ferguson Township Police.

A press release from the police said that a man entered the restaurant at about 4:45 a.m. and assaulted an employee as he returned to the kitchen.

The robber was reportedly dressed in all black and pointed his gun at the employee, demanding money. When the employee said that he didn’t have any, the robber allegedly ordered him to the floor and tied his hands up before heading toward the register.

The employee reportedly freed himself from the hand restraints and stood up, forcing the robber to retreat and again threaten him with his weapon.

“The employee reported that he then grabbed the robber and forced him out the door,” Ferguson Township police said. “The robber fled on foot southbound around the building toward North Atherton Street.”

It isn’t clear if the robber was able to take anything from the register before he was forced out of the Waffle Shop. Police said that the male robber is described as 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds. He was wearing a black ski mask, black sweatshirt, and gloves.

Police request that anyone with information call them at 1-800-479-0050 or submit an anonymous tip through its website.