NIAGARA FALLS—The new operator of a Pine Avenue convenience store was robbed of $1,800 Friday, moments after telling an employee his services would no longer be required, police said.

Police said the operator of the Ghana Mini Mart told the worker around 5:30 p. m. that Friday would be his last night of employment. The operator then took one of her children to the restroom and, upon returning moments later, found the employee gone.

The employee is suspected of taking $400 from the cash register and $1,400 from the woman’s purse, police said.