Passerby fires shot at robber during gas station attack

A passerby with a gun fired a shot at a man trying to rob another person at a gas station in Cornelius.

The incident happened about 6:45 p.m. Thursday at the Citgo gas station on Catawba Avenue, according to Cornelius Police.

The robber walked up behind a man pumping gas, displayed a small handgun, punched the victim in the face and stomach and demanded money.

The robbery victim screamed for help, police said in a news release.

“A person nearby heard the victim calling for help and intervened,” the release said. “In doing so, that person, who was armed with a handgun, fired one shot at the suspect, who then fled the area on foot.”

Police aren’t sure if the robber was struck by a bullet. They were still looking for him late Thursday. The suspect is described as a black male in his mid- to late 20s. He’s between 5-foot-9 and 6 feet tall. The robber was last seen wearing a white shirt, dark shorts, black shoes and a black backpack.

Police have not released the identities of any of the people involved in the incident.

Investigators encouraged anyone with information to contact the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773 or North Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers at 704-896-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

This story was originally published December 10, 2015 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Passerby fires shot at robber during gas station attack."