Ronald McDonald: Has embattled mascot resorted to armed robbery in Colorado Springs?

On Friday, Corporate Accountability International called for McDonald's to dump Ronald McDonald as its mascot, arguing that he's a negative factor when it comes to addressing childhood obesity. Cut to early Sunday morning, when the Colorado Springs Police Department reports that two women were robbed at a local Burger King...

By Michael Roberts

March 29, 2010

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On Friday, Corporate Accountability International called for McDonald's to dump Ronald McDonald as its mascot, arguing that he's a negative factor when it comes to addressing childhood obesity.

Cut to early Sunday morning, when the Colorado Springs Police Department reports that two women were robbed at a local Burger King by an unknown white male wearing a clown mask and brandishing an assault rifle.

We're not saying these two incidents are related. But a word of warning: If you see Ronald McDonald at a fast-food restaurant, check first to make sure he's not armed and surly before letting your toddler give him a hug. Look below for the brief CSPD report on the crime:

Incident Date: March 28, 2010

Time: 1:18:00 AM

Title: Robbery

Location: 375 S. Academy Blvd.

Summary: On March 28, 2010 at 1:18AM, officers from the Sand Creek Division were dispatched to Burger King, located at 375 S. Academy Blvd, in regards to a personal robbery.

The investigation revealed that an unknown white male wearing a clown mask approached two women in the parking lot. The suspect brandished an assault style rifle and took an undetermined amount of money. The suspect fled eastbound and was not located.

No injuries were reported.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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