Thief flees after guard fires at him

Police are searching for a man who attempted to rob an armored car Tuesday evening in Islandia, but fled without a dime after one of the two guards fired a shot at him.

It was not clear if the would-be robber was hit by gunfire.

The incident occurred outside the Chase bank branch on Veterans Memorial Highway at about 6:20 p.m., police said.

One of the guards complied, and the robber attempted to flee, police said. But as the second guard approached, the robber pointed "what appeared to be a gun" at him -- and the second guard fired his weapon at the suspect. The robber then dropped the canisters and fled.

Police said the would-be robber is about 6 feet tall and was wearing dark clothing. No other description was available.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.