Roanoke Rapids police hope a car parked in the Village Grocery lot may shed some clues on the identity of the person who attempted to hold up the store seven minutes later Monday.

The green Ford Crown Victoria is possibly a late 90s model with blistered paint and a side exhaust.

Captain Andy Jackson said investigators would like to talk to the owner of the vehicle or someone who knows who the owner is.

The car was seen on the lot at 11:38 a.m. and robbery attempt occurred at 11:45 a.m.

The suspect in the morning robbery attempt pulled the trigger of his gun three times as a convenience store clerk tried to comply with his demands.

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.

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 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.