Police are searching for a thief who pulled a knife during a robbery in Johnson County.

Paintsville police officers were called to Chevron at U.S. 460 and Ky. 40 West just after 5:00 A.M. Sunday.

Captain Jason Arms combs over surveillance video in hopes of identifying this man. But this robbery investigation is a little different.

"Typically they'll pull in, get out of the vehicle, run in the store and get what they need or want and get right back out," said Arms.

But that's not what happened. Police say the thief wandered around the store for about 20 minutes, and even made small talk with the clerk before walking behind the counter and pulling a knife. Luckily, she was not hurt.

"The clerk and he engaged in conversation. Small talk, stating he had missed a ride for work and was waiting on someone else to pick him up there and take him to work," added Arms.

It just so happens a state highway worker was putting salt down on the roads and saw a man meeting the suspect description get into a red Ford pickup parked on 460.

Now police are hoping someone recognizes him and calls them with information. They say you don't have to give them your name.

"We're just interested in the information. We're not really concerned with the name, just the information," said Arms.

Meanwhile, police are working to enhance the video to get a good look at the man's face.

Police say the man got into a newer model red Ford pick-up with a graphic on the rear windshield.

If you know anything, call Paintsville Police at 606-789-2603.