East Lyme — A man and a woman stole an occupied vehicle from the Niantic Star Gas Station Friday, police said, threatening the adult passenger with a knife and taking off on state Route 161.

Police said the operator of the vehicle was in the store when the suspects entered the car. The female passenger exited the stolen vehicle a couple hundred feet from the 265 Route 161 station, police said, and the suspects continued driving north.

Police are working to learn whether the suspects intentionally let the woman go.

Police said the two suspects first tried to enter another car whose operator was pumping gas, but it was locked.

Chief Mike Finkelstein said this is a "perfect example" of why people should lock their doors even if they're only exiting their vehicles for a short time.

Police, who are working to identify the suspects, asked anyone with information to call Detective Mark Comeau at (860) 739-5900.