Rockland County Gas Station Clerk Fights Off Armed Robbers
VALLEY COTTAGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Rockland county gas station clerk refused to become a victim when two robbers stormed in and demanded cash.
As CBS2's Tracee Carrasco reported, one of the robbers was even holding a rifle.
Surveillance videos shows Paulie Kunz kicking back, watching a football game while working at the Oasis Gas Station in Valley Cottage on Saturday night.
Just before 8 p.m., the door flew open, and a startled Kunz realized it wasn't a customer on the other side.
"And then all of the sudden I just turned and I looked and in the doorway was a guy with a mask and a gun," he said. "I thought I was going to be shot. I've never been so scared in my life."
The video stops as Kunz confronts the robbers, one of them armed with a long rifle, and takes the fight outside into the parking lot. Instinct took over, and despite a paralyzed foot, police say Kunz wrestled the armed suspect to the ground in hopes of staying alive.
"I just kind of grabbed the gun. He was stronger than me. He pulled it away. Next thing you know, they bolted," he said.
Kunz said the suspects didn't get away with any money and took off down Route 303.
"We did an extensive search, including K-9 units and numerous patrol units, so all we have right now is 2 males probably in their early twenties," said Clarkstown police Officer Peter Walker.
Clarkstown police are still reviewing surveillance videos to get a better look at the suspects.
As for Kunz, the retired welder said he took the gas station job two months ago to keep busy, he said he'll stick to retirement after this brush with death.
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