Stratford police have released surveillance images of an armed robbery that left a bartender hospitalized with a gunshot wound after happy hour Tuesday. 

Investigators say the male suspect entered a Main Street bar -- called Bar -- around 7 p.m. with a gun and his face masked.

When the assailant demanded money, the bartender turned over an undisclosed amount of cash. Then, police say, the robber shot him and fled out the back door. Friends have identified the victim as Regi Woodard.

The victim remains hospitalized in stable condition following surgery for a gunshot to his stomach, according to authorities. The establishment remained closed Wednesday as police circulated images of the suspect in the hope someone would recognize him.

Police say they are reviewing surveillance video from neighboring businesses and interviewing people in the area.

They say it's rare for a suspect who threatens violence to go through with it after the victim complies.

"This is a first for me," says Capt. Frank Eannotti. "I've been in this business for a little bit. So usually we always tell people, you know, money's not worth getting hurt over so just if somebody makes a demand for your cash, whatever, just give it to him."

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them.

There is also a GoFundMe page set up to help the victim.