LANCASTER : 2 Seized in Takeover-Style Robbery at K mart Store

Two robbers held nine employees at gunpoint in a K mart store in Lancaster and tried to walk off with a shopping cart full of money before they were arrested, authorities said Monday.

Though the suspects drew gunfire from police, and one hid in the store overnight, no one was hurt in the takeover-style robbery--the sixth of a K mart this year by a pair of gunmen wearing ski masks.

Police said the two Los Angeles men arrested, Darren Carter, 32, and Leighton Corothers, 18, were suspects in the other crimes.

The Lancaster robbery began shortly after closing time, at 9:12 p.m. Sunday. All workers were freed by 2:10 a.m. Monday and the last suspect was caught after being bitten by a police dog about 7:00 a.m.

Nicole Hall, 25, a supervisor at the store, said she was pushing a cart with money when one of the armed men appeared. “I rounded the corner and he was just there,” she said. “He took my arm and pulled me into the (employee) lounge.”

Police said the gunmen ordered a store manager to open a safe, then lead them to the closest exit at the rear of the store. But unknown to the robbers, a K mart guard watched the takeover on security cameras and contacted the Sheriff’s Department.