A gun-wielding bandit shot and wounded the manager of the Fred's Department Store in Northside Village Shopping Center today.

The gunman approached the manager of the Fred's store while the manager was taking a deposit to the bank. The suspect fired at least two rounds, shooting the manager in the leg, according to Conyers Police Lt. Jack Dunn.

The suspect then fled on foot through a nearby laundrymat and out the back door.

Police and deputies are searching nearby subdivisions and woods for the suspect, with K9 units.

The bandit was described as a skinny black male, about 19-20 years old, with short dredlocks, about 5-foot 6-inches to 5-foot 9-inches, medium complexion with a dark hoodie.

Nearby Conyers Middle School was briefly placed on lockdown.

.