MANATEE -- Deputies were looking for the suspect in an attempted robbery late Thursday at a Manatee gas station, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The victim was at the Mobil gas station at 6402 U.S. 301 N., about 11;05 p.m. when the suspect approached him and asked for a cigarette, a news release states.

"The suspect attempted to rob the victim at which time the victim believed the suspect was reaching in his pocket for a weapon," the release states.

The victim and fled and contacted law enforcement.

Deputies believe the suspect is a homeless man who frequents the area near the gas station, but they could not find him during a search.

The suspect was described as standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. He was wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans, and had a pit bull dog on a leash, according to the sheriff's office.