The owner of the Tenth Street Blue Flame is offering a $500 reward for information on the person who robbed the store last Saturday night.

Captain Andy Jackson of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said Crimestoppers will also offer a reward for information on the robbery.

Roanoke Rapids police hope a bicycle may found ditched in the middle of Collier Street may be a clue in the armed robbery.

The robbery occurred shortly after 11 p.m. when a light skinned black male walked in the store wearing a black mask, black coat, a black knit cap, dark blue jeans and black sneakers.

The man, further described as standing approximately 6 feet tall and weighing 160 pounds, displayed a chrome handgun. The man demanded money and was last seen headed south on Georgia Avenue.

Officer Rich Somogyi arrived within seconds of the call and spotted the reflectors of a bicycle headed south on Georgia Avenue and then turn west on Collier Street. As Somogyi made his turn he saw the bike in the middle of the street.

Jackson said it appears the bike was painted over some and investigators seek information on anyone who may be familiar with the bike or the person who owns it.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.