08:54 AM PST on Tuesday, December 30, 2008

By ERIC ADAMS, kgw.com Staff

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A man who robbed a northeast Portland car wash is on the loose and police are asking for the public’s help in apprehending him.

Police said a masked man robbed the Washman Carwash on NE 81st Avenue Saturday morning, but his gun fell apart in the middle of the heist.

The suspect approached an employee at about 10:45 a.m., pulled a gun out from underneath his sweatshirt and demanded money.

He then dropped his gun and it fell apart, police said.

The suspect began waving his fist at the employee and demanded money, according to a police report, and the employee opened up the cash register.

But as the suspect reached for money the employee grabbed a power washer and sprayed him in the face, causing the suspect to flee on foot, westbound down NE Everett Street, police said.

The suspect was described by police as a white male in his 20s, about 6’ tall, weighing 180 pounds and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a white “skeleton” ski mask.

The employee described the man as having “unusually long arms” and dark eyes.

Police said the man should be considered armed and dangerous.

Crime Stoppers offered a $1,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.