“It happened so quick the victim said he believed the suspect said 'give it up,'” Detective Bobby Martin of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said this morning.

Then a struggle ensued.

The victim and suspect fought over the weapon and the second victim stepped in to assist but was met with gunfire and had to run for cover. “The gunman then turned his attention back to the first victim and shot at him as he was on the ground trying to get away,” Martin said. “The two victims that were involved were very lucky that they were not severely injured due to the gunfire and the close range from which the gunman fired at them.”

The victim who was shot was treated and released for a gunshot wound to his foot.

The police department is now seeking help in identifying the man in the above photo.

“We're hoping the individual responsible for this will do the right thing and turn himself in because of the seriousness of the crime,” Martin said.

Martin said the men were pressure-washing the outside of the business, the concrete areas around the pumps, when the robbery attempt occurred.

Anyone with information on the identity of the man pictured above can call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or Martin at the following numbers: 252-533-2810; 252-533-2820 or 252-578-8969.