A gas station attendant was stabbed during a robbery in Elmont Saturday night.

Police say a black man in his mid-20?s was lurking around a poorly-lit Emporium Gas Station around 8 p.m. Police say he waited until there were no customers around before approaching the attendant and demanding money. Investigators believe the altercation turned violent because the attendant was not moving fast enough or refused to hand over the money. They say a language barrier may also have been a factor.

Police say the attendant was stabbed twice, in the arm and stomach, and is in stable condition at North Shore University Hospital. Police are asking anyone with information to call Nassau Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.