Deputies look for 3 suspects who robbed a gas station in Fresno County

HELM, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Fresno County Sheriff's Office is looking for three men, seen on surveillance video, robbing a convenience store in Helm. It took place at the Helm Market and Gas Station near Lassen and Kamm avenues.

The manager says he and his co-worker feared for their life during the heist. Abdul Hussein says panic set in last Thursday, when a group of robbers, one with an AR style rifle, walked into his Helm convenience store demanding cash.

"One more guy, two more guys came and one went to customers and they went to the floor and the other guy he came to register with other guy," said Abdul Hussein, Helm Market And Gas Station.

The armed robbery, caught on surveillance cameras, happened less than two hours before closing time while two customers were inside. Footage shows Hussein slowly walking back with his hands up

as one of the alleged thieves crawls over the counter and points a handgun at a clerk sitting down.

Seconds later you see him lying on the ground while another crook with a shotgun helps steal money out of the register.

"I thought they were going to kill me. Yeah, I was like, probably my last day today when they came in," said Hussein.

Hussein says the robbery lasted about 45 seconds and he believes the men who had their faces covered were no strangers to the store.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in finding the suspects who were seen pulling in and taking off in a dark colored Nissan Versa.

"I know they are covered from head to toe, but look at what they are wearing down to their shoes. Look at the way they walk, their gestures, those things might stand out that say 'hey, I know that guy,'" said Tony Botti, Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

The manager says the thieves took off with about a thousand dollars. He is hoping the surveillance cameras they installed last year will lead to an arrest.