A tip jar thief struck a Financial District Subway restaurant on Wednesday, police said.

The thug simulated a gun — holding his right arm out with his fist closed — as he stormed into the sandwich shop at 200 Pine St. around 10 p.m., police said.

The suspect, described as a man in his late 30s, pressed his fist, or fake gun, into a 32-year-old store worker’s chest, police said.

A second employee, a 35-year-old man, then punched the suspect in the face. The suspect fled, grabbing the tip jar along the way, police said.

The thug got away with $12.

The incident came three days after an alleged serial tip jar thief was arrested in the Lower Haight district.

Thefts from tip jars are a common citywide problem, police and merchants say.

maldax@sfexaminer.com

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