Roanoke Rapids police say they are treating Monday’s attempted robbery at the Village Grocery as an attempted murder case because the robber allegedly pulled the trigger of his gun three times, the gun failing to fire.

Most robbery suspects, Captain Andy Jackson said, load their weapons.

The suspect at the counter.

The clerk in the robbery, who was trying to comply with the robber’s demands of cash, was left visibly shaken, Jackson said.

Jackson said investigators believe the suspect became frustrated when the nervous clerk was having problems getting in the cash register.

The attempt occurred around 11:45 a.m. when the man entered the store at the intersection of Highway 48 and Jackson Street Extension 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 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.

Meanwhile Jackson said there are things store owners can do to cut down their chances of being robbed.

Keep doors and windows clear of signs and posters.

Keep the area well lit at night.

Keep a minimum amount of cash in the drawer.

Be wary of customers loitering and call police if someone suspicious is loitering inside or outside the store.

Place markers at doors to get an idea of how tall a suspect is.

Comply with the person’s demands and give them the money.

Try, without being obvious, to get a good idea of what the suspect looks like even if it means jotting notes after they leave.

After they leave, lock the doors so they can’t reenter.