Restaurant employees assaulted during armed robbery

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Police are searching for three suspects involved in an armed robbery at Durham's newly-opened barbecue restaurant, The Pit, at 321 W. Geer Street.

Authorities said just before 9 p.m. Sunday, three men wearing hoodies entered the restaurant through the back doors with pistols, and forced several staff members to lie on the floor.

The bandits assaulted two employees during the crime, but they were not seriously injured.

"They're doing great," restaurant owner Greg Hatem said. "One of them actually went to the hospital and was released. They took a good look at him, he's fine."

Hatem also said there were a few patrons in the dining room while the robbery was happening in the kitchen area. Workers were able to ask them to leave, and got them out safely through the front door.

"We're offering $2,000 for the arrest and conviction of these guys," Hatem said. "We take this very seriously. We want to make sure our guests and our staff are taken care of."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.