The crime left the female victim with bruises as she struggled with three people, described as black males, who wrested her wallet from her as they held her collar and ripped her shirt in the robbery, Captain O.L. Morgan said.
The woman was headed to J.C. Penney around 6 p.m. when she saw the men as she exited her vehicle. They accosted her as she made her way to store, circling around her, one reportedly threatening to kill her if she didn't comply with their demands.
The men took her wallet, but the woman was able to break free and entered the store, which called for help. A canine search was unsuccessful due to the heavy traffic that evening, Morgan said.
The woman described the men as all being in their 20s, the man who threatened to kill her being the ringleader, she reportedly told police. He was taller than the rest and wore dreadlocks.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.
