NORWICH – The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men hiding in the woods Saturday after they allegedly broke into a gas station and ran off with more than $5,500 in merchandise and cash.

Lt. Richard Cobb said deputies requested aid from the Norwich City Police Department after they received a 911 call from a witness who said he saw two suspicious men inside the Country Store gas station at 4 a.m., Saturday.

A city patrol car responded and was the first on the scene, said Cobb.

“The officer observed two men running from the area of the North Plaza carrying plastic bags full of items,” said Cobb. He said a number of foot paths led from the area of the gas station down to the North Plaza.

Additional police units then arrived with deputies, New York State Troopers, Norwich officers and the department’s canine. Police conducted a lengthy a search of the wooded area between the plaza and the Chenango River.