A suspect in a morning robbery attempt pulled the trigger of his gun three times as a convenience store clerk tried to comply with his demands, Roanoke Rapids police say.

The gunman apparently got nervous when the gun did not fire and fled the Village Grocery at the intersection of Highway 48 and Jackson Street Extension without any money, Captain Andy Jackson said.

The attempt occurred around 11:45 a.m. when the man entered the store wearing a black hooded jacket and black pants.

He pulled out a silver handgun that appeared to be a revolver and demanded money. As the clerk tried to comply, the man pulled the trigger three times. The gun, however, did not fire. “He hit the panic button and left,” Jackson said, explaining the man apparently became spooked.

He was last seen running toward Jackson Street Extension.

He is described as a black male of average build with a medium complexion and blue or gray eyes.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or Detective Jeff Baggett at 252-326-3941.