Chief Chuck Hasty said the robbery, in which the suspect accosted an employee taking out trash, occurred around 1:30.

The suspect was armed with a handgun and forced the employee into the restaurant and demanded money.

Employees gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect left through the back entrance.

The suspect wore  a grey hooded sweatshirt or jacket and black jeans.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy P. Moyer and his dog Bosco assisted with a track.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Investigator J.K. Davis at 252-533-2822 or Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Hasty also reported on Tuesday around 10:15 a.m., Officer H. Grimes responded to the 900 block of Franklin Street about people inside a vacant house.  

When officers arrived they heard movement inside the residence and discovered Mark Antonio Fields, 25, and Brittany Nicole Floyd, 21, of Gaston, were inside.  

After a search officers found narcotics and paraphernalia in the couple’s possession.

Hasty said it was not clear whether the pair were attempting to set up residence in the house.

Fields was charged with breaking/entering and possession of drug paraphernalia. He received a $2,000 bond and February 2 court date.  

Floyd was charged with breaking/entering and possession of marijuana.

She received a $1,000 bond and February 2 court date.

Lieutenant J. Baggett, Sergeant D. Jenkins and Officer M. Hunsucker assisted.