Police work the scene of an early morning robbery Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, at the Taco Bell on 23rd Street. The robbery happened before 8 a.m. and an as-yet-unknown amount of money was taken.

Customers weren’t being served at a Lawrence Taco Bell over the lunch hour Monday, as detectives investigated a robbery that reportedly occurred more than two hours before the store was scheduled to open for the day.

A person who answered the phone at the store, 1408 W. 23rd St., would not comment about when the store would reopen.

Police spokesman Sgt. Bill Cory said officers were looking for a heavy-set white man in connection with the incident, which was reported about 7:45 a.m. The suspect was described as wearing a dark mask, a red hooded sweatshirt with dark stripes on the sleeves and lettering on the chest, blue jeans and a dark-colored hat. The man was last seen heading west from the business.

Cory said a Taco Bell employee received medical treatment at the scene for minor injuries. Cory could not comment on whether a weapon was used.

Officers said the victim was preparing the store to open at the time of the reported crime. The store normally opens at 10 a.m.

Check back for more details as they become available.