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Caught on tape: Gas station cashier robbed at gunpoint

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A gas station cashier was robbed at gunpoint and it was all caught on tape. It happened Saturday around 1:30 in the morning at the Shell station on Kentucky Avenue near High School Road.

Amber Harter feared for her life. She says she stayed calm, however, to keep the suspect from pulling the trigger.

Surveillance video shows the suspect walking into the store. The bottom half of his face is covered, workers said with his shirt. He has a bag in one hand and, according to Harter, a gun in the other. In the video, you can see him go to the counter where Harter is working.

“I heard him set the gun down on the counter. When I turned around and noticed the gun, I gasped,” Harter said. “He had said, ‘Put your hands up.’ So I put my hands up and he said ‘Open the drawer and hand me all of your cash.’ So, I did exactly what he said.”

It was all over in less than 30 seconds, but for Amber, it seemed like a lifetime.

“I’ve never been so scared and terrified in my life. I still don’t know how to feel about it,” she added, “It’s just the thought. I could’ve lost my life. That’s the thought that runs through my head.”

The suspect got away with less than $250.

Bobby Key is the station owner. Cameras surround both the inside and outside of his business. He’s hoping his video will help police in catching the suspect.

“When somebody comes in and pulls an automatic weapon on a little 23-year-old girl, he could very easily pull the trigger and it would be more devastating than what it is,” said Key.

Fortunately, it wasn’t more devastating. Amber is now back to work.

“I’m not going to let an outsider who is making poor decisions affect my life. It’s my job,” said Harter.

Workers believe the suspect is a former employee. A detective has been assigned to the case and will be reviewing the video and evidence.