Police are searching for a gunman after a worker was grazed in the leg during an attempted armed robbery at a Lower East Side deli early Thursday morning.

The shooting happened around 1:30 a.m. inside a deli on Rivington Street.

The 25-year-old employee, who identified himself as Ace, said he had been working at the store for about a month when what started as a routine overnight shift suddenly turned violent.

According to Ace, the suspect entered the deli looking to buy candy and chips but did not have enough money to pay. He said the man claimed he was going to get the money to pay for the items, but instead, waited until workers were distracted before pulling out a gun and attempting to rob the store.

"He waited for the right opportunity until we were distracted, came behind the counter, started pointing the gun," the worker said. "And then I guess he didn't get what he wanted so he just shot."

During the encounter, Ace was grazed in the upper leg. He said he received medical treatment and is recovering.

Investigators spent Thursday morning going in and out of the deli collecting evidence as they searched for the gunman.

Police said the suspect fled the scene on foot. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, black shorts and white sneakers.

Despite the shooting, Ace said the deli is already equipped with multiple security measures, including buzzers, panic buttons and surveillance cameras.

However, what is really needed is tougher penalties for illegal gun possession, according to the United Bodegas of America.

"Right now, there are no consequences. Right now, this guy is out loose. He ran west when he came out of the store," said United Bodegas of America spokesperson Fernando Mateo.

The United Bodegas of America is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest.

The people who live and work on the block also want to know who committed this crime. They say they've already been living amongst drug dealing and criminal activity, and this just adds to their concerns.

"From what I've known, the people who have been here longer than me, they've said that it's always been crazy, and it's just getting worse," said Milly, a local worker.

The NYPD's Seventh Precinct covers the area. According to the department's crime statistics, robberies are down more than 40%, but burglary is up almost 70%. There has been no significant change in the number of shootings.

The investigation remains ongoing. No arrests have been made.

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