SALISBURY — The fire department received a panic alarm from a medic alert device at 2:33 a.m. Nov. 5, and on arrival, they discovered the alarm was actually because of an armed robbery.

The victim who pressed the panic alarm was one of two employees at the Lucky Charm Skills Arcade at 5625 S. Main Street. The fire department immediately notified deputies from Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.

According to reports, two arcade employees had locked up and were leaving for the night when they were approached in the parking lot by three to four men in all black attire, including hoodies and masks covering their faces. One of the men showed a gun and both employees were forced back into the business at gunpoint.

One employee was made to lie down on the floor and the gunmen demanded that the ATM machine inside the business be opened, but neither victim had a key to do so.

The suspects remained inside the business for a short period of time before putting both victims inside the bathroom as they left.

The victims reported that the suspects took cash and personal property belonging to the victims, including a handgun.

The robbery remains an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information in this case is asked to contact Sgt. Thomason at 704-216-8683 or Detective Lutz at 704-216-8739. You can also remain anonymous and contact Rowan County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639- JAIL (5245) or by visiting www.rowancrimestoppers.org