FALL RIVER, Mass. (WHDH) -- A robbery suspect, apparently armed with pepper spray, was caught on surveillance camera going after a convenience store clerk before he turned his attack on the cash register.

“They threw the register and cannot open. They already messed up the register,” said Lal Mahaseth, convenience store owner.

Cameras throughout the Fall River Stop ‘N Save caught a man entering the store and heading to buy a drink before turning back toward the clerk and spraying her face three or four times.

As the clerk tried to protect her eyes, the man went for the money. When he couldn’t figure out how to open the drawer he yanked the cash register right off the counter.

When the suspect still couldn’t seem to get it open, the clerk tried to help him.

“He asked to open the register. And she tried to open but she cannot,” said Mahaseth.

The clerk said she was just trying to help the angry suspect so he wouldn't turn on her again.

When she finally left the store, he tossed the register around a few more times before finally taking off.

The suspect was able to make off with some cash.