Smallwood

Melek Smallwood, 18, of Ahoskie, who also lists a Wake County address, is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached, Hasty said in a statement.

The robbery occurred around 8:30 p.m. when Smallwood allegedly entered the restaurant and spoke to employees about buying a drink.

When the employee opened the cash drawer, Smallwood allegedly drew a weapon and demanded money. With money in hand, the man fled the store and ran towards Fourth Avenue.

Smallwood was developed as a person of interest in the case through further investigation by Roanoke Rapids Investigator Bobby Martin, with assistance from Detective Obert Wiltsie of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office.

Martin obtained warrants on Smallwood for robbery with a dangerous weapon.

The warrants have been forwarded to Wake County because of an address he listed there.

“Investigator Obert Wiltsie's assistance in this investigation helped in the solving of this case,” Martin said in the statement.

Said Hasty in the statement: “The working relationship that we have between the sheriff’s office and the agencies in Halifax County is great. Sharing information is important in combatting criminal activity.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Smallwood is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.