He Really wants taco bell

He Really, Really Quiere Taco Bell

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A man accused of repeatedly robbing fast-food restaurants and markets became so familiar that employees at a Taco Bell would open the cash register when they saw him coming, police said.

Eugene Rutledge, 31, of Oakland was charged Monday in connection with 16 robberies since November, including four at the Taco Bell.

Rutledge, who served prison time for robbing an Oakland bank in 1999, is accused of jumping the counter in most robberies and emptying the cash register. He is accused of using a gun in other cases to make his demand.

After his arrest Wednesday, police said he admitted to the robberies and said he needed the money for drugs and to help a sick girlfriend.

Other businesses were robbed more than once, including a Jack in the Box restaurant and Albertson's and Smart & Final grocery stores.