The Albert Lea Salvation Army Thrift Store was reportedly robbed at gunpoint just after 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Authorities are still looking for the robber, who was described as being a white man between 5 feet 10 inches tall and 6 feet tall, with a slim build.

According to police, the man was wearing a dark-colored jacket with light-colored collars, and either stonewashed jeans or gray sweatpants.

He was wearing a bombardier style cap, had bluish eyes and was not clean shaven.

Police stated the robber was reportedly carrying a black or dark purple handgun, when he approached the clerk, threw a bag at him and demanded money. The gun was not pointed at the clerk but was shown to him.

The robber fled from the store on foot.

Police have not released how much money was taken.

Albert Lea police, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Minnesota State Patrol troopers have been searching the neighborhood between the Salvation Army — at 416 Bridge Ave. in the Northpark shopping plaza — and Hawthorne Elementary School.

Authorities were driving around and walking door to door at nearby residences and businesses to see if anyone had seen anything suspicious.

One resident, Oscar Mehus of 801 Marshall St., said police looked in his house, checked his garage and searched his basement.

The Union Pacific employees were also told to watch for anyone crossing the railroad tracks.

The store is closed for investigation.

Local Salvation Army Capt. Jim Brickson said police are also reviewing the footage from the store’s security cameras, noting “there’s some very good footage” of the incident.

He noted he was limited on what he could say as he did not want to compromise the investigation.

“It’s bad enough that they rob anybody, but to rob the Salvation Army when we’re trying to help people, I think it’s pretty pitiful,” Brickson said. “I’m just glad nobody got hurt here.”

The robbery coincided with the nonprofit organization’s first day of bellringing for its 2010 Christmas kettle campaign. Funds raised from the campaign go to help people in need.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Albert Lea Police Department at 377-5200.