Authorities are hunting for a masked man who allegedly shot and killed the owner of a local Pure Food Mart Friday night.

Aslam Muhammad, 46, the owner to the Pure Food Mart on the corner of Ga. Highway 162 and Morningside Drive, was fatally shot after the masked man attempted to rob the store.

Newton County Sheriff's investigator Bill Watterson said a thin black male, between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10, entered the store at approximately 10:10 p.m. and pulled a gun on Muhammad. After an undisclosed period of time, the suspect reportedly shot him. A handgun was used in the crime, though authorities are not releasing what type and caliber. An undetermined amount of cash was taken from the store.

"The investigation is still ongoing," Watterson said. "We urge the people with any information to contact our office or tip line. Any information would be helpful."

Watterson said the crime was captured by security cameras and authorities are in the process of reviewing the footage. The recording is not currently being released, but that could change in a few days, depending on the status of the case, Watterson said.

The murder is the seventh this year in Newton County. Authorities have so far made arrests in five of the previous six murders.

If you have information, please call the NCSO at (678) 625-1403. Tips may also be given anonymously at (678) 625-5007 or on the Web site at www.newtonsheriffga.org.