An attempted robbery investigation early this morning also uncovered evidence of vandalism consistent with breaking and entering crimes in the area of the 600 block of Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.
Interim Roanoke Rapids police Chief Bobby Martin said the investigation began shortly before 3 a.m. today when Officer H. Marshall responded to an attempted robbery call where the victim said he had arrived at business to prepare for a delivery of product to transport to Walmart.
As the victim exited his vehicle and started walking to the entrance of the business he saw a person approaching him.
The person was described as standing between 5 feet, 7 inches to 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a stocky build. The victim described the person as wearing dark pants, a heavy khaki coat with a hood and what appeared to be a blue bandanna covering half of his face.
“The victim felt like the subject was going to rob him the way he was dressed and the time of the morning it was,” Martin said in a statement. “The victim advised that the suspect just kept walking toward him. The victim began to swing his lunchbox at the suspect as he got closer, which made the suspect flee on foot.”
Martin explained this morning the suspect kept coming at the victim. “We’ve had breaking and enterings in that area. The victim felt the suspect had the intent to do something to him. Over the last month or so other crimes have been committed in that area and (the victim) was aware of that.”
While the suspect never demanded money, the victim had a gut feeling about the confrontation, Martin said.
While officers never found the suspect, Martin said the investigation led to evidence of vandalism consistent with the crime of breaking and entering. He said the evidence right now links two businesses to possible break-ins “which we believe that subject is potentially involved in as well.”
Martin said officers believe “the quick action of the victim most likely made the suspect become uncomfortable with committing the crime and fled on foot. The actions of the victim possibly prevented another crime spree. Officers arriving in the area discovered the businesses which had potentially been broken into due to their keen observation, awareness of past crimes committed in the area and their diligence doing their patrols and investigation.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or the police department at 252-533-2810.
