MACON, Ga. — A gas station clerk is recovering after being shot during an armed robbery.
According to the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, it happened Monday morning around 4:15 a.m. at the CITGO at 5642 Houston Road.
Investigators say the shooter was wearing all dark clothing and a face mask when he entered the store and demanded money.
He tried climbing over the counter, but the clerk pushed him back during the fight. Then, they say the the suspect fired a shot, hitting the clerk.
That suspect is still on the run.
Rodney Hill has been living in the area for 25 years and says he comes here almost every day.
"Well this is not a normal robbery here in this area," Hill said. "Everyone was surprised because actually this store owner here is very liked."
Harshat Brahmbhat said his wife works at the store and was shocked to hear about it.
"They have to be alert and be very careful and watch all the camera screens," Brahmbhat said. "It's never happened with anybody else and I pray to God to keep them safe. As customers, we have to act like guests and take care of these businesses. That's the most important thing."
Isaiah Fair lives around the corner and is a frequent customer. He says the store might need some improvements after this situation.
"Magnetic doors, more expensive cameras, being more aware of their surroundings, more things like that that could help them benefit in the long run from preventing something like this from happening again," Fair said.
Several neighbors suggest the business should invest in security to patrol the parking lot.
"They could make sure they have eyes around not just not here at the gas station," Fair said. "You know, all it takes is two seconds to come and drive around just to make sure your parking lot is clear and making sure you have a safe environment that way people know and don't even try your establishment in general because they know that it's just not going to work."
Hill agrees.
"Maybe hire some security, you know?" Hill said. "From 12-7 in the morning just to let all these people know they’re watching closer."
Investigators are asking anyone with information on the identity of the suspect, to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.