diff --git a/ext/alsa/gstalsasrc.c b/ext/alsa/gstalsasrc.c
index 3b2f4bb8cc..8dc77cd76b 100644
--- a/ext/alsa/gstalsasrc.c
+++ b/ext/alsa/gstalsasrc.c
@@ -936,7 +936,8 @@ device_disappeared:
     GST_ELEMENT_ERROR (asrc, RESOURCE, READ,
         (_("Error recording from audio device. "
                 "The device has been disconnected.")), (NULL));
-    goto read_error;
+    GST_ALSA_SRC_UNLOCK (asrc);
+    return (guint) - 1;
   }
 }