He pretended to be browsing.
Then, he suddenly bolted behind the counter-waving a handgun and demanding money.
The terrified clerk watched helplessly as the robber opened the register and stuffed his pockets.
Moments later, he casually walked away with $2,000 in cash.
What he did not know is that an off-duty Nassau County Police officer was filling-up his tank.
The officer drew his gun as the clerk pointed at the fleeing suspect.
In an instant, the officer opened fire.
The suspect was later found cowering in his car just a few blocks from the service station.
The gun turned-out to be a toy.
Although the suspect could no longer be seen on video when the officer fired, police defended his use of deadly force.
