Roanoke Rapids police were dispatched to the restaurant shortly before 11 p.m. where Detective Corey Dixon learned the victims, both employees, had closed for the evening. As they went to their vehicle, parked between the restaurant and the convenience store, they were approached by two people described as black males.

Both had their faces covered and wore dark clothes. One brandished a handgun and money was demanded.

The victims complied and the masked men also took a wallet along with cash from the business. One employee was struck in the lower abdomen with what was described as a metal object. Police said the employee did not provoke the men or do anything else to warrant the blow. The employee was not seriously injured.

The suspects fled through the back alley. A canine track by the Halifax County Sheriff's Office went cold in the 100 block of Washington Street.

Dixon continues to investigate the matter and Crimestoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information.

No further physical description was available.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Dixon at 252-326-1233 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.