Pubdate: Sat, 28 May 2005
Source: Tri-Valley Herald  (Pleasanton, CA)
Copyright: 2005 MediaNews Group, Inc. and ANG Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.trivalleyherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/742
Author: Michelle Beaver, staff
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

HAYWARD POT CLUB ROBBED AT GUNPOINT

Two Men Armed With Guns Made Off With Less Than A Pound Of
Marijuana

A downtown Hayward marijuana dispensary and several of its clients
were robbed Wednesday evening when two armed men burst through the
doors and demanded that everyone get on the ground.

The robbers made off with less than a pound of marijuana, less than
$400 in cash and a few peoples purses and wallets, police said.

About seven people were in the club at 22550 Foothill Blvd. during the
robbery. None was injured.

The situation was frightening, said dispensary manager Tom Lemos,
43.

I was afraid that they would hurt somebody, Lemos said. Everyone did
what they were told to do and Im glad about that."

The suspects, described as two black males between the ages of 20 and
30, both brandished guns. One man was short and the other was tall,
said club consultant and Medical Cannabis Association president Jane
Weirick.

If someone has a gun, they can get in just about any building they
want, Weirick said.

Everyone lay down as soon as they were ordered, and some were able to
discreetly push one of many panic buttons that are wired around the
room.

This is the first violent incident the club has encountered since
opening, he added.

We usually lay low because we want people to know were a responsible
club, Lemos said.

Hayward cannabis clubs are not allowed to keep more than three pounds
of marijuana at a time, so anyone who expects to exit a club with a
huge stash will be sorely disappointed, according to Weirick.

The matter is under investigation by the Hayward Police Department.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin