Sketch released in Union City Girl Scout cookie stand robbery

Union City Police are seeking this man in connection with the robbery of a 12-year-old Girl Scout and her mother. Union City Police are seeking this man in connection with the robbery of a 12-year-old Girl Scout and her mother. Photo: Courtesy Union City Police Department Photo: Courtesy Union City Police Department Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Sketch released in Union City Girl Scout cookie stand robbery 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Union City police released a sketch Friday and asked the public to help them catch a man who robbed a 12-year-old Girl Scout and her mother at gunpoint while they were selling cookies in a Safeway parking lot.

The suspect is described as a male, 16 to 19 years old, with a thin build and between 5 feet 4 and 5 feet 6 inches tall, police say. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing dark clothing, including a hooded sweatshirt.

The holdup occurred around 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, when the man initially approached the girl and her mother to ask about buying cookies, but returned shortly thereafter with a handgun and demanded cash, according to police.

Union City police officers responded by purchasing heaps of Girl Scout cookies from the victim and donating their own money to cover the loss from the theft, totaling more than $1,000, police said.

But while the Union City Police headquarters briefly boasted Thin Mints and Samoas in abundance, the newly-purchased cookies stash had all been eaten by Friday, according to police spokesman Steve Mendez.

“There were only five or six boxes left when I left yesterday, and they’re long gone by now,” he said.

Anyone with information on the suspect or who witnessed the incident is asked to call investigators at (510) 675-5275, or Detective D. Dejong at (510) 675-5227. Anonymous tips can be made by calling (510) 675-5207.

Filipa A. Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi