POWELLSVILLE – Occupants of the RGS No. 5 escaped serious injury despite a SUV crashing into the convenience store here Thursday afternoon.

At approximately 4:49 p.m., a Chevrolet Blazer SUV plowed into the former Red Apple store and two men exited the vehicle.

Bertie County Sheriff John Holley said a man was sitting in the Blazer at the gas pumps when another person allegedly jumped into the vehicle with a gun.

“The suspect apparently did not shut the door and the driver panicked, took off and tried to throw the other person out of the car,” Sheriff Holley said. “He then lost control of the vehicle and it ran through the station.”

The suspect who had allegedly pulled the gun fled the scene in a black Trailblazer which was driven by a female subject. There was also reportedly at least one other male in the vehicle.

“We are continuing to investigate the incident,” Sheriff Holley said. “We have some good information, but are continuing to gather more.”

The sheriff said the suspect was described as a black male who was approximately six feet tall and weighed 150-160 pounds.

Dhan Thapa and G. Singh were working in the convenience store when the Blazer came crashing through the doors. Neither man was injured.

Singh indicated Thapa was at the cash register working while he (Singh) was filling out a check on the counter facing the window that overlooks the parking lot.

“I saw it coming and I pushed him (Thapa) to the wall,” Singh said.

The Blazer came to rest not far from where the men were working.

Sheriff Holley said a vendor was in the store near the front doors where the vehicle entered.

“The gentleman was putting up some stock almost at the front door,” he said. “He was struck on the arm and bruised, but was able to walk away.”

Sheriff Holley said anyone who had information about the incident or the possible perpetrator should call the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office at 794.5330.

“We have a good idea of what happened, but we are continuing to gather information and search for the suspect,” Sheriff Holley said. “Anyone who has information should call us and we’ll be glad to hear from them.”