Cops probe robbery of diner worker

An armed robber stole a wallet and a cell phone from a male employee at a North Amityville diner late Tuesday, Suffolk County police said.

Initial reports that the robbery had escalated into a hostage situation proved erroneous, police said Wednesday.

Police said an investigation revealed there were no customers inside Michelle's 110 Diner at Route 110 and Broadway when the robbery occurred at 11:35 p.m. -- and said the suspect fled immediately after robbing the lone employee.

No one was injured in the incident, police said. No arrests have been made.

Initial indications were that the incident may have involved more than one gunman and a hostage situation and, in response, police sent emergency services officers in to clear the building. As the scene was unfolding, one sergeant described it as "a dangerous situation."

Police cordoned off the area at Ritter Avenue, the cross street near the diner.

There were two trucks from the emergency services unit. Officers could be seen interviewing five people.

But just after 1 a.m. police said the scene had been secured and later said the incident involved a lone gunman.

With Bill Mason and Ellen Yan