CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police said an armed robbery at Freedom Animal Hospital in west Charlotte did not stop there.
Investigators said the robber took a doctor and forced her into a company car, then drove off.
Police have been interviewing the veterinarian and another employee who they said was held at gunpoint.
Channel 9 spoke with the employee, who said she hopes police catch the assailant soon.
Police sent Channel 9 surveillance photos of the person they are looking for. Check out those photos here.
The man was described as about 50 years old, more than 6 feet tall, and weighing more than 200 pounds.
Police said the man was carrying a letter.
"He handed me the letter. That's when he grabbed me around the neck and put the gun at my neck," employee Janine said.
He walked with her at gunpoint to the back of the animal hospital, where the vet was, and demanded money, police said.
"And that's when he took the money, told me to get on the floor, and he took the doctor with him in her car, and that's when I got up and called 911," Janine said.
Chopper 9 captured the scene moments after Dr. Margurette Straley was taken.
According to police, the man forced her into a company vehicle and took off.
"I thought that if he does anything, he could knock her out, kill her, he could push her out the door. Yeah, I worried," Janine said.
There was good news for the vet.
"While we were in the middle of the investigation, we heard another call for service from the victim indicating that she had been released from the vehicle and was further down Freedom Drive," said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Officer Bruce Bellamy.
Police found the doctor just down the road.
She was shaken up but OK.
Police said the suspect drove her to an ATM, attempting to force her to pull out funds. But then he released her without withdrawing money from her account.
“I’m lost for words because you come to work expecting to be safe, and you’re not,” Janine said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.