Shooting at the drive-in

Employees of Big Al’s Drive In had their hands full on Sunday evening (Dec. 5) with a patron who wanted a lot more than a burger, fries and a shake.

According to a Chico Police Department press release, a gun-wielding man entered the eatery at about 10:30 p.m. and demanded money. Instead, 72-year-old robbery suspect Allen F. Anderson of Chico was overpowered by the employees, who detained him and called 911 for help.

Sgt. Rob Merrifield said the ski-masked suspect first pulled the gun on an employee outside of the eatery. Once inside, he confronted the manager, who, fearing for his life, grabbed for the weapon.

Unfortunately, the gun went off during the struggle. One of the workers at the popular Chico restaurant, Michael Chaika, 25, was struck in the thigh and transported to Enloe Medical Center for treatment of a non-life-threatening wound.

Anderson was booked into the Butte County Jail on charges of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.