A 44-year-old northern Sampson County man claims he was pushed to the ground and held down as thieves rifled through the home he was staying at late Sunday night.

According to reports from the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was staying at a friend’s house, located in the 100 block of Dakota Lane and just north of N.C. Hwy. 55, when he heard a knock at the front door of the home around 11:30 p.m. Sunday evening.

When the man answered the door, reports note, three white males and a white female quickly entered the residence, one of them hitting him in the head with a sharp object, knocking him to the floor.

The victim also reported that he was held down while the suspects removed a $1,000 Sony 42-inch television from the home and ran out the door. The television, valued at $1,000, was the only item reported stolen.

“The homeowner told us he was at the hospital,” said Cpl. Marcus Smith Tuesday. “When he returned just after midnight Monday, investigators were called to the scene.”

Descriptions of the suspects were vague, Smith said, however, the victim told investigators the alleged thieves left in a blue Skylark or white pick-up truck.

“In total, there were four white males and one white female,” added Smith, who said the homeowner and the victim told investigators they were not familiar with the suspects.

The victim suffered only minor injuries and did not need medical attention.

If you have any information on this incident call the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141. All tips will be anonymous.

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