As of this report officers were trying to find the suspect, who fled from the vehicle, leaving dollar bills on the ground and even more cash and rolled coins in the vehicle.

Gaston police said the robbery occurred at the Dollar General store on Craig Street around 9:45 p.m. when a person believed to be a black male entered, brandishing a weapon. The man demanded money and the employee complied.

The man left in a black sport utility vehicle heading to Roanoke Rapids. Speeds were estimated to be between 70 miles per hour to 80 miles per hour, the suspect turning onto First Street and striking a building at the intersection of First and Jackson streets.

Money was left behind.

Roanoke Rapids police said the building was not badly damaged.

During the chase the man got on Second Street and continued to the Kemp Avenue intersection where he crashed into the cemetery, causing two headstones to topple, one landing about 25 feet from the point of initial impact.

Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Chuck Hasty said it is believed the man headed across the cemetery to the Fifth Street area. The Halifax County Sheriff's Office performed a canine track.

Roanoke Rapids Public Works Director Larry Chalker said damage caused to the headstones is at least $15,000. Damage to the turf at the cemetery is estimated to be at least $1,000.

End of the chase.

Chalker said the police department planned to inform the family members of the headstone damages.

Hasty said once the suspect is located, Roanoke Rapids will charge him with at least two counts of damage to property, hit and run and other charges that reflect the chase through the city.

Gaston police said the man was wearing a dark-hooded jacket or sweatshirt. No further description was available late this evening.

Garysburg, the Northampton County Sheriff's Office and state Highway Patrol assisted.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.