Kinston police released surveillance video of a store robbery that was thwarted after an employee opened fire.

Police say two men walked into the USA Store on South Adkin Street around 10:00 p.m. Wednesday night.

In the video, one would-be robber points the rifle at the worker, who then fired a shot at the men. They ran from the store and in the video you can see them drop the rifle at the front door.

Police say they got away in a silver vehicle.

If you know who the gunmen are, you should call the Kinston Police Dept. at 252-939-3160, the TIPS LINE at 252-939-4020, or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444.

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Kinston police are investigating separate violent crimes at two businesses in the city.

Officers were called to the first scene just before 3pm on Wednesday. Witnesses at the Brothers #2 Store on E. Bright St. told officers that multiple shots were fired at the store from a person or persons inside a 4-door maroon colored vehicle.

Officers collected several shell casings at the scene.

Later that night, officers were called to the USA Store on 201 S. Adkin St. for a report of an armed robbery. It happened right around 10pm. Officers were told that two black men entered the store and demanded money; one of them reportedly carried a rifle. Police say the store clerk fired a shot at the two suspects who then fled the scene in a silver vehicle.

Police do not believe the two shootings are related.

If anyone has information regarding these crimes, they are asked to call the Kinston Police Dept. at 252-939-3160, the TIPS LINE at 252-939-4020, or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444.