The owner of the Goody Shop Cafe was robbed behind his restaurant before opening Friday morning.

As Hugh Wainwright parked his car behind the Goody Shop around 6:30 a.m. a man approached him inquiring about a job before stealing a bag from the back of the vehicle, according to Albemarle police Capt. David Dulin.

Wainwright told the man to leave his name and number about a possible job. When Wainwright became distracted by answering his cellphone, the man reached into his car and snatched a bag containing a laptop, cash and jewelry, Dulin added.

“He just opened the door, took it and left,” Wainwright said.

The suspect fled on foot, eventually reaching the Five Points area where police observed him. However, the suspect managed to elude capture, Dulin said.

“The suspect just took off running,” Dulin said. “Officers came into contact with him, but then lost him.”

Police are continuing to look for the suspect who is described as a white male, bald, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, medium build of about 150 pounds. He is believed to have a tattoo on his neck. The suspect was last seen wearing an orange-colored T-shirt, Dulin said.

Because of the proximity of the manhunt to Central Elementary School, the facility was placed on lockdown as a safety measure.

The Goody Shop, which opens for breakfast at 7 a.m., is located at 241 W. Main St. in downtown Albemarle.

Contact Ritchie Starnes at 704-754-5076 or ritchie.starnes@stanlynewspress.com.