The crime was caught on camera last Friday at TJ's Tavern on Kennedy Street in Willis, and now the bar owners are hoping you can help police catch the crooks.
It was a scary few minutes just before closing early Friday morning, and those involved didn't know exactly how it might end.
Sleet from a winter storm distorted the surveillance camera view somewhat outside TJ's Tavern that night.
"I think they were waiting until most of the people left, so they had a more manageable crowd," bar owner Terry Bordonaro said.
But the picture inside is much clearer as two masked gunmen created a scary scene.
They emptied the cash register and the only person they touched was one customer when they jerked him off the bar stool.>
In just minutes, they had customers on the floor, robbing them of their phones and cash. The bartender goes along with their commands as they approach, and then they force her to open the register -- even dropping money before taking her purse and another phone on the bar.
"After I watched the video and went home, all night long I saw pictures of the bartender laying on the floor," Bordonaro said. "I'm just so thankful nobody was hurt."
A third suspect was seen outside, acting as a lookout. Then, the men took off on foot.
The owner says they've been in business since 1982 and never had a night like this one.
"This is a small town and I know people talk. Maybe someone will say something to the right person and they'll turn them in," Bordonaro said.
The owners have already added more cameras and lights to increase security.
Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call police.
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