A local shopper found a surprise when he exited a Jefferson Davis Highway store earlier this month: a man inside his car trying to remove his aftermarket stereo.

The victim yelled out, police said, prompting the unidentified suspect to flee the 3100 block about 5:59 p.m., December 3. While he left the radio behind, the suspect had already damaged the console.

Authorities dont know how the suspect gained entry, but said the incident remained under investigation. They described the attempted theft as a common crime in Alexandria.

The suspect is described as a 5-foot-10 black man with a thin build. He wore a black wool cap and brown jacket during the attempted robbery, police said.