Elmont eatery worker foils heist

A quick-thinking employee at an Elmont fried-chicken restaurant foiled a pair of would-be robbers wielding a shotgun early Thursday morning, Nassau County police said.

Fifth Squad detectives said two men armed with a shotgun entered Crown Fried Chicken at 492 Hempstead Tpke., at about 12:20 a.m., ordering the employee to open the cash register.

The employee, 54, told the two men the register was open, although it was still locked, and police said the two suspects then ordered the employee to "go to the back of the store."

The employee went to the back of the building and locked himself in the basement. As the two men attempted to get money from the secured cash register, police said, the employee called 911 and also yelled for help.

The two suspects left the restaurant with no money, police said. The employee was alone in the restaurant at the time, and police said there were no injuries.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-8477. All calls will be kept confidential.