Authorities are searching for a man who pointed a gun at an Allsup's Convenience Store clerk in Tuscola early Thursday.

Sgt. John Cummins with the Taylor County Sheriff's Office said the attempted robbery occurred at 12:24 a.m. as the clerk was gathering trash outside.

The clerk convinced the suspect that a sheriff's deputy was about to arrive. The suspect fled on foot and could not be located.

The clerk described him as a 6'1" male who weighs 160 pounds. He said the man was wearing all black clothing and was either wearing a black and white mask or had his face painted that way.