USA gas station worker in Huntington Station shot, wounded in holdup, cops say

A gas station attendant was shot in a Monday night holdup in Huntington Station, and Suffolk police have launched a massive hunt for the robber, authorities said.

The worker at first did not want to give up money when a masked robber confronted him about 9:45 p.m. at a pump at the USA gas station on New York Avenue at Depot Road, police said.

“There was a little scuffle, then he was shot,” said Det. Sgt. Kevin Baumgardner of the Second Precinct.

The shooter fled with about $300 to $400, police said.

The attendant was shot in the leg and was awaiting surgery overnight to remove the bullet, police said. His injury was not life-threatening, police said.

Barry Zulla said he was working at his auto body shop across the street when he heard a single gunshot. An employee ran out of Zulla’s shop and saw a man running from the gas station and a driver speeding off with the fuel line still attached to the vehicle, Zulla said.

Zulla said he knows the attendants who work at the gas station and was told they make $9 an hour.

“It’s not worth getting shot,” Zulla said.

Early Tuesday morning, police were searching for the suspect using a helicopter and canine units. The shooter appeared to be thin, was about 6 foot tall and wore a blue sweatshirt, police said.

Detectives ask anyone with information to call them at 631-854-8252 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-8477.