The early morning work of opening the store took a turn for the worse for some Home Depot employees in Turlock when two masked men tried to rob the store.

One suspect was armed with a handgun and fired off several rounds during the encounter, but no one was shot and no other injuries were reported, according to the Turlock Police Department.

The incident began around 4:20 a.m. Wednesday when the police department’s dispatchers started receiving multiple 911 calls from employees inside the store at 2800 Countryside Drive.

The employees said that two men were attempting to pry open the south doors. The employees then advised dispatch that the men had gained entry into the store.

“While on the phone with dispatchers, a caller indicated that gunshots had been fired and the incident was quickly upgraded to a robbery in progress,” said Turlock Police spokesman Russ Holeman.

Perhaps in recognition that the police had been called, the two suspects were in the store for about one minute before fleeing. The suspect who had fired the gun ran out the north door, while the other ran out the south door.

Police officers arrived at the scene within three minutes of the original call, but the suspects had already left the area.

Nothing was stolen during the incident.

The suspects were both concealing their faces and were last seen wearing dark colored clothing. Both are believed to be in their 20s. It’s believed they fled in a vehicle, but the make and model is unknown.

Turlock detectives are actively investigating this incident and ask that anyone with information call Detective Tim Redd 664-7325. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.