A deli worker in Manhattan was shot during an attempted robbery in the early hours of Thursday, police said. The incident occurred at Wholesome Organic Convenience on Rivington Street around 1:22 a.m.

The 25-year-old employee, who identified himself as Ace, was behind the counter when a man entered the store and requested chips and candy. According to the worker, the suspect did not have money to pay and, when the victim was momentarily distracted, produced a firearm and declared a robbery.

A struggle ensued near the counter, during which the gun discharged, striking the worker in the buttocks. Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene with an unspecified amount of stolen merchandise.

Emergency responders transported the injured employee to Bellevue Hospital. Authorities described his condition as stable.

As of Thursday evening, the suspect remained at large. Police continue to investigate the incident.