Westchester Gas Station Robbery Leads To Shootout With NYPD, Suspects Remain At Large

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Police are investigating an armed robbery attempt at a Westchester service station this morning.

A massive manhunt involving the Mount Vernon Police Department, NYPD, and MTA police followed the attempted robbery at a gas station on Mount Vernon Avenue. Mount Vernon police said that there were reports that shots may have been fired, but at this time, there are no confirmed injuries.

The NYPD told CBS News that officers from the Bronx were nearby and spotted two men who matched the description of the robbery suspects. The officers chased the men behind a home on Pearl Street, where the suspects opened fire, according to the report. The NYPD said the officers returned fire.

The gas station worker told ABC7 that the suspects put a gun to his head and demanded money, making off with at least $600.

Law enforcement has cordoned off the area as the search for the suspects continues.

Metro-North service through Mount Vernon West and Mount Vernon East stations was temporarily suspended to New York City. New Haven Line customers are experiencing delays of up to 60 minutes due to the police activity between Mt. Vernon East and Pelham, according to the MTA.

Police are asking the public to avoid the area south and west of Mount Vernon Avenue and Lincoln Avenue until further notice.

"Expect significant police presence in the neighborhood," Mount Vernon police said in the most recent statement released Friday morning. "The safety of our residents and commuters is our top priority."

Mount Vernon police are asking anyone with additional information about this robbery attempt to contact the MVPD Detective Division at 914-665-2510. All calls will be kept confidential, according to police. In addition, tips can be submitted anonymously via "Text-A-Tip" by texting "MVPD" and the tip to 847411. Tips can also be anonymously sent through the "Mount Vernon PD" app, available in the Google Play and Apple store.