WATERLOO - The Byron Avenue Hy-Vee store was held up Thursday night, the latest in a string of robberies that have plagued the city in recent weeks.

A robber brandishing a handgun entered the store, at Byron Avenue and Vermont Street, shortly before 6:15 p.m.

The bandit walked to the customer service desk, a short counter tucked away in the back of the store.

What exactly happened wasn't clear, but the robber assaulted the employee there.

Assistant Manager Rob Tromanhauser said the attacker then fled the store. Police did not indicate whether or not the robber was able to make off with any cash or merchandise.

An ambulance was called. but the assaulted employee was not transported to a hospital for treatment.

Tromanhauser said he heard about the rash of robberies but hoped the small store, secluded in a residential area, would be safe.

"There's always potential for things to happen," he said as police and paramedics filed past him into an "employees only" area.

"This is the worst thing I ever remember seeing," Tromanhauser said.

He said the crime appeared to have been planned.

The suspect is described as a heavy set black male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, wearing a black coat and black jeans.

The Hy-Vee heist was the second robbery this week and the sixth since Nov. 1. The last one was Monday night at the Trucker Bar and Restaurant on Bourland Avenue.

Patrol officers have been paying extra attention to area businesses after dark in the wake of the holdups that have targeted convenience and liquor stores, a taxi and a tavern in different neighborhoods.

Cedar Falls also has had two bank robberies in two weeks.

No arrests have been made. No major injuries have been reported in the crimes.

Contact Jeff Reinitz at (319) 291-1578 or jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com.