ATLANTIC CITY -- Police in Atlantic City are looking for a masked man who tried to rob a store on Monday but then claimed it was all joke when the teenage clerk managed to take his gun.

Atlantic City police are seeking the man who tried to rob a convenience store Tuesday before acting like it was a joke when the clerk grabbed his gun.

The man entered the AC Convenience Store on Ventnor Avenue at 4:15 p.m. Monday, pointed to what the clerk thought was a handgun in a bag and demanded money, police said in a news release.

The clerk grabbed what turned out to be a BB gun off the counter, prompting the would-be robber to remove his mask and pretend he was playing a joke on the employee. The frightened thief then fled on foot.

Police said the suspect might live or work on the area is possibly named Ed or Eddie.

Anyone with is asked to call Atlantic City police at 609-347-5766. Information can be text to TIP411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD. All texts are anonymous.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.