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Woodstock video game store reopens after robbery, arson

A Woodstock video game store reopened for sidewalk sales Monday a day after armed robbers raided the store and set a fire that left the owner badly burned.

Customer Jim Syndey and his son Ryan arrived to pickup a pre-ordered video game.

"He was surprised when he got the call that said he could pick up his game," said Sidney.

Police and firefighters rushed to the store before noon Sunday after 911 calls reporting an armed robbery and fire.

Witnesses said three or four robbers burst inside and ordered employees to a back room before looting the cash register and setting a fire with gasoline. The owner of the video store, Troy Braselton, was severely burned after running to the back of the business to make sure his employees escaped. Channel 2's Tom Regan spoke with the owner of a nearby pizza restaurant, who said he was appalled by the crime.

"It's pretty heartless to leave someone in a store where they could be burned alive," said David Desantis.

Police tell Channel 2 Action News they are hopeful they can retrieve video from store security cameras to find out more about the crime and possibly identify the robbers.

Customers hope police catch the thieves soon and wish a speedy recovery for the store's owner.

"You live in a nice community like this, you don't think this thing can happen, but it can happen anywhere," said Syndey.

Police say they are investigating reports that the thieves got away in a blue-colored Chevy truck or SUV.