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CRIME

GPD: Man robs restaurant at finger-point

Daniel Smithson Staff writer
Steven Michael Berlin. [Alachua County jail]

A Gainesville man was arrested Monday after police said he robbed a restaurant.

Steven Michael Berlin, 56, was charged with armed robbery. However, he did not have a weapon.

Monday night, Berlin entered Szechuan Palace, 2031 NW 13th St., and sat down for about 30 minutes, according to a Gainesville Police Department arrest report.

Police said Berlin then approached the restaurant's counter and told an employee, "I am ready," walked around the counter and demanded she open the drawer.

The employee told police that during the robbery, Berlin had his hand in a position that resembled a gun — his thumb pointed up and his index and second finger pointed straight out.

He took money out of the drawer and left, according to police.

Berlin was later arrested and found with $577. Police said Berlin admitted to robbing the restaurant.

He was charged with armed robbery due to the employee believing he had a gun and based on his actions, according to GPD.

"He was charged with armed robbery because he implied he had a weapon," said Chief Inspector Jorge Campos.

Berlin was booked into the Alachua County jail. His bond was set at $25,000.

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