MANCHESTER - A convenience store clerk came out on top in a tug-of-war with a would-be robber who tried to steal a cash register Wednesday.

Police said about 4:40 p.m. a man entered Hans Food Mart, 353 Maple St., and tried to lure the clerk outside by telling him there was a disturbance.

The clerk did not fall for the ploy and moments later the man entered the store again and tried to take the register from the counter.

The clerk quickly grabbed onto it and the two struggled over the register until the man gave up and fled the store.

He was last seen getting into the passenger side of a red sedan which sped east in the alley behind the store.

The man is described as black, about 5-foot-8 and weighing 250 pounds. His shoulder-length hair was in dreadlocks, and he was wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt and black pants.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at 668-8711. Anonymous tips for cash rewards may be made through Manchester Crimeline at 624-0404 or online at manchestercrimeline.org.