diff --git a/channels/chan_alsa.c b/channels/chan_alsa.c
index 8a3c1198b7..2bbc74d6a2 100644
--- a/channels/chan_alsa.c
+++ b/channels/chan_alsa.c
@@ -482,6 +482,13 @@ static struct ast_frame *alsa_read(struct ast_channel *chan)
 	} else if (r >= 0) {
 		off -= r;
 	}
+
+	/* Return NULL frame on error */
+	if (r < 0) {
+		ast_mutex_unlock(&alsalock);
+		return &f;
+	}
+
 	/* Update positions */
 	readpos += r;
 	left -= r;