This image released by the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office shows the robber, right, pointing a gun at the teller while a young girl, in pink, stands next to him.

Kittitas County Undersheriff Clayton Myers said the girl's father, Robert Daniel Webb, asked a former friend in Fortuna, California to take care of his daughter while he ran some errands.

The friend learned that Webb was wanted in connection with the robbery and contacted police.

When officers arrived at the home about 10:15 p.m., Webb let the girl out of the car and sped off, said Fortuna Police Detective Aaron Starcher.

Webb managed to get away during a high-speed chase but not before investigators got a chance to get up close.

"Sgt. Kadell observed opened bottles of vodka and also could detect the odor of alcohol omitting from Mr. Webb's clothing," said Starcher.

Detectives said Webb was driving a silver 2008 Toyota Corolla with license plate 602-XQG.

Starcher said the girl was not hurt and was placed into protective custody. Officials were making plans to return her to Washington state and are trying to track Webb down.

"We'd like to get this guy into custody as soon as possible," Starcher said.

It was not clear when Webb arrived in California with his daughter. He was being sought for the Tuesday morning robbery of an AM/PM Mini Mart just off I-90 near Ellensburg, Wash.

Myers said a man believed to be Webb approached the counter at the store, drew a gun and demanded money from the register. The clerk complied and the man then left with his daughter, who was at his side during the robbery.