Covington Police are looking for a gun-wielding bandit who tried to rob the Dollar General on U.S. Highway 278 on Tuesday.

An employee told officers that the man had come up to the register with a package of T-shirts. As she rang up the purchase, he drew a handgun from his waistband and ordered her to give him all of the money.

The clerk told the would-be robber that all of the money was in the safe and she was unable to open it. He said he didn’t want to hurt her and ordered her to the ground, then ran out without the money or the T-shirts.

A witness told officers that she had seen a white SUV parked beside the store with its engine running and the lights on. As she entered the store she saw the man run out and get into the SUV, which was then driven off westbound on Highway 278. She was unsure if there was another person in the vehicle.

The bandit is described as a black male with a medium complexion, roughly 5-foot-9-inches tall, a slim build, twists in his hair, wearing a black coat, white shirt and blue jeans. Witnesses say he was driving a newer model SUV, possibly foreign, mid-size with silver vents on the front fender.

Evidence was taken from the store, including the package of shirts that he touched and surveillance video. Police are asking that anyone with information contact them at (770) 786-7605 or online at www.covingtonpolice.com. Tips can be given anonymously.