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Crime Stoppers Looking For Machete-Wielding Gas Station Robber

ELIZABETH (KDKA) -- It wasn't the typical first day on the job that newly-trained clerk Danielle Thorton had expected.

The brand new employee of the BP Gas Station on McKeesport Road in Elizabeth was the victim of an armed robbery on Feb. 3.

A masked man wielding a machete and wearing a reflective vest demanded money, grabbed cash from the register and ran off. Surveillance footage from the store's camera clearly shows the man pulling the long blade out of his pants.

"It's something you're going to fear as a cashier anyway, so at least I got it out of the way on the first night, I guess," said Thornton. "He got impatient, grabbed the register, pulled it away and grabbed all the cash."

Allegheny County Police are investigating.

"A witness… observed the incident and chased after the actor on foot. However, he got away," Detective Corinne Orchowski said.

When asked what she would say to the culprit if she could, Thorton said, "Thanks for ruining my first night at work. I hope they catch you."

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 412-255-8477. Information leading to an arrest and conviction could be worth up to $1,000.

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