Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional information from police.

An armed robber forced an employee inside an AT&T store and stole several smartphones before fleeing with another man waiting in a car Monday morning, Pittsfield Township police said.

The employee had arrived to unlock the store at 3765 Carpenter Road about 9:20 a.m. when a man approached her from behind and forced her inside, Pittsfield Township Police Chief Gordy Schick said. The man showed the handgun inside the store and asked the woman for money, but she couldn't get into the safe, Schick said. The robber then took 20 or more smartphones, Schick said.

He fled with the other man in a newer model, dark gray Nissan, possibly an Altima, with dark interior and a standard white Michigan license plate. Police searched the area but could not find the suspect.

The robber was described as a black man 21 to 27 years old. He had a medium build and was 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was wearing dark clothing and a hooded sweatshirt. His face was partially covered, but a thin goatee was visible, police said.

The man who was waiting in the vehicle was also described as a black man and was wearing dark clothing and a hooded sweatshirt. He was also believed to be between 21 and 27 years old.

View Larger Map