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Read the press release here.

Deli Worker Fights Off Armed Robber in Crown Heights, Then Quits Job

 Police say this man attempted to rob a deli in Crown Heights Saturday night.
Police say this man attempted to rob a deli in Crown Heights Saturday night.
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NYPD

CROWN HEIGHTS — A would-be deli robber is on the loose after tussling with a store clerk who grabbed for the masked intruder’s gun after refusing to hand over cash — a terrifying encounter that forced the employee to quit his job, police and staff said.

The struggle took place shortly after midnight Saturday at the 3 Star Deli on the corner of Sterling Place and Ralph Avenue in Crown Heights, officials said.

An unknown man in a face mask approached the deli worker with a gun, demanding money, police said.

The 21-year-old worker refused to hand over the cash before struggling with the gunman for control of the firearm, police said. One shot was fired toward a wall before the suspect left the store, fleeing northbound on Ralph Avenue, the NYPD said.

Police said the worker was not hurt and no property was stolen. But on Wednesday, the store’s manager, who identified himself as Rafeek, said the clerk who confronted the gunman has since quit his job because he was “scared” by the encounter, he said.

"He doesn't want to work here no more. He’s done here," Rafeek said.

Officials are still looking for the man who attempted to rob the deli. A photo released by police of the suspect pointing a gun inside the store shows him wearing a black coat and a face mask decorated with a yellow skull.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).