A Salemburg man attempting to stop an argument betweeen a couple at a fast food parking lot had the tables turned on him when an unknown person involved in the argument jumped out of the vehicle and began attacking him with a knife.

Clinton police investigators are searching for the suspect who allegedly attempted to attack the 35-year-old Salemburg man who reportedly was headed to the vehicle to try to calm the couple down and let them know that law enforcement had been called to the scene.

According to reports, witnesses at Burger King, 1008 College St., Clinton, noticed a couple in a heated argument in a black Ford Escape, which was parked at the far end of the lot behind the restaurant, around 1:48 p.m.

As the argument grew more heated, witnesses called law enforcement. After the call, the 35-year-old man approached the passenger side of the car to inform the couple that police had been called. To his surprise, the male driver jumped out of the car brandishing a kitchen knife and a club and attempted to attack the man.

During the incident, the attacker allegedly struck the man in the right temple with the club before getting back into the vehicle and taking off north down N.C. Hwy. 403 at a high rate of speed.

The victim suffered only minor injuries to his head.

Investigators searched the area for the vehicle and couple, but could not located them. The suspect was identified as a white male, standing about 5 foot 5 inches, with a skinny build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a white tank top and flower-patterned shorts.

The woman was described as heavy set with blonde hair.

The vehicle was identified as a black Ford Escape with a rear window sticker that says, “Salt Life,” with palm trees on each side of the sticker.

If you have any information about this incident or know the location of the vehicle, you are asked to call the Clinton Police Department at 910-592-3105. All tips will be anonymous.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or email to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.