AHOSKIE – The Ahoskie Police are attempting to learn more about an attempted armed robbery that took place here early Saturday morning.

Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh reported that three individuals, all wearing dark colored clothing and masks, were involved in the crime at Pizza Hut, located on Peacock Street. One of the suspects was reportedly carrying an assault rifle, according to Fitzhugh.

“Fortunately, no one was injured and the suspects, after learning that the two individuals working at the restaurant were members of a cleaning crew and not actually Pizza Hut employees, left the store,” Fitzhugh said. “It appears that no items were stolen.”

Fitzhugh said according to information gathered by APD Sgt. Donald Cuff, the initial law enforcement officer on the scene, a two-person cleaning crew was working at Pizza Hut at around 12:30 a.m.

“They were disassembling the oven, taking it one piece at the time outside for cleaning purposes,” Fitzhugh said. “As one member of the cleaning crew was outside, that person was approached by the three suspects and ordered that person to go back inside the restaurant.

“Now back inside, the three suspects ordered the cleaning crew to lie on the floor,” Fitzhugh continued. “The suspects asked for the cash in the restaurant, but the cleaning crew members told them they were not employees of the restaurant. The suspects then exited the restaurant.”

Fitzhugh said the cleaning crew could offer no physical description of the suspects.

“They also did not notice any vehicle leaving the area,” Fitzhugh said.

APD Lt. Jeremy Roberts is investigating the case.

“If anyone was out and about at that time early Saturday morning in the area of Pizza Hut and noticed anything out of the ordinary, please give Lt. Roberts at call at 332-5011. All we need is your information,” Fitzhugh concluded.