LAWRENCE (CBS) – Police are hoping to track down two robbers who held-up a Tedeschi’s last Sunday night.

Before leaving, one thief assaulted the store clerk with pepper spray.

The two men walked into the store on South Broadway at about 11:30 p.m. The shorter of the suspects hopped over the counter and began clearing out the cash registers. A taller man, carrying a large kitchen knife, took cigarettes from a display case.

“They had a plan when they came in. They both had masks on,” Lawrence Police Chief John Romero told WBZ-TV.

Romero released surveillance video of the robbery to the media Wednesday, asking the public to come forward if they recognized the clothing worn or the robber’s mannerisms.

In the video, it is apparent that the store clerk did not put up a fight, though she did try to put some distance between herself and the robbers.

“The clerk did the right thing,” said Romero. “The victim didn’t resist, which is what we tell individuals to do.”

The clerk walked to the other side of the counter while the thieves looted the cash registers.

On the way out of the store, the shorter man, who wore a gray plaid jacket, sprayed the clerk in the face with what police believe was pepper spray.

“There was absolutely no reason for it. “ Romero said.

Officers responded within one minute of the call but were unable to catch the robbers. They believe the pair ran east on Andover Street toward Parker Street.

The clerk was taken to Lawrence General Hospital to be checked out. She was treated and released.