When a store clerk was having problems opening the cash register during a robbery Sunday night, the suspect instead demanded he be given two cartons of Newport cigarettes and then fled the store.

The robbery occurred shortly before 7:30 when a person described as black male standing approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall entered the Shell Station — New Dixie Mart 6 — at Highway 48 and Jackson Street Extension.

Captain Andy Jackson said the man ran into the store demanding the clerk put money in a bag, saying if she didn't he would shoot her. He never showed a gun, however.

With the clerk having problems getting the register open, the man, who was a wearing a purple jacket with a hood and faded black jeans, demanded the cigarettes and left the store. He was last seen headed towards the Jackson Street Extension.

Jackson said while the clerk described the man as having a slender build, video surveillance footage shows him as having a stocky build and holding a white towel with a hole over his face. He appears to have a rough beard.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.