NATCHEZ — A bar employee was transported to the University Medical Center in Jackson after being shot in the leg at work during an alleged hold-up.

Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said at 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, a man wearing a mask walked into Talk of the Town on Franklin Street, pointed a gun at the victim and demanded money.

“She was about to run away when the gun went off,” Mullins said.

The small caliber bullet struck her once in the upper leg, and the man ran off.

Police were able to recover the mask and shirt he wore behind the bar, which they believe the shooter shed immediately after exiting the bar.

Mullins said police have identified and are questioning two suspects in the armed robbery and aggravated assault.

In January, a bartender at Talk of the Town was nearly robbed at 2 a.m. by a man with a shotgun who demanded money.

As the bartender was running away, the suspect shot at her, but she was not injured.

Two teens were initially arrested on charges of armed robbery and aggravated assault, and five more were arrested in connection with the January incident.