RESERVE — An area man was forced to the ground by armed assailants Monday night in Reserve and ordered give up all he had.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating the claim, which escalated later that evening to gunfire.

Sheriff’s Office deputies first responded to the 400 block of Northwest 3rd Street in Reserve at 8:43 p.m. Monday following an armed robbery with a firearm report.

A release from authorities indicates a 33-year-old male victim told deputies two male subjects approached him with guns drawn and demanding he get on the ground and empty his pockets. The victim surrendered his keys, cell phone and cash to the perpetrators, who then fled on foot north on Northwest 3rd Street.

The victim was not injured.

Deputies also reported they responded to the intersection of Pilgrim Street and Northwest 2nd Street at 9:42 p.m. when the same victim said he was following a car he thought was occupied by the people who robbed him. The victim said someone in the car started shooting in his direction.

He fled the area to escape the gunfire, and no one was reported injured.

Deputies canvassed the area looking for the suspects to no avail.

Detectives are waiting for the victim to meet with them and to provide more information.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Residents do not have to testify in court and may qualify for a cash reward. Tips can be submitted at stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.