Four Clinton residents were shaken up in the wee hours of Sunday morning after three armed men invaded their home, assaulted one resident and fired a shot that wound up in the leg of one of the suspects.

The incident occurred just after midnight on June 13 when three unidentified black males kicked in the rear door of the 5390 Reedsford Road residence.

The suspects, Sampson County sheriff’s reports show, entered the residence armed with firearms and robbed the four occupants of the residence, ranging in age from 35 to 52.

During the robbery, one of the suspects struck a victim in the head with a handgun causing a laceration to the victim’s head. Although the victim was injured, he did not need medical attention, the reports indicated.

A second suspect attempted to shoot at another victim, who immediately ducked, and the suspect ended up shooting his partner in the leg. Due to the injury, the three suspects left the residence immediately.

No other injuries were reported.

In all, approximately $1,000 in property and cash was taken from the four victims.

The only description given of the suspects was that all three appeared to be black males in their 20s. One of the suspects was described as being tall and skinny with dreadlocks.

Law enforcement officials noted that the three made their getaway in a vehicle. A description or direction of travel was not available at press time. Investigators are currently checking hospitals in the area for a gunshot victim.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141. Anyone wishing to leave an anonymous tip may do so by calling 910- 564-5261.

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