A woman was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight as she walked through a local Dollar General store parking lot Friday. Sampson County Sheriff’s investigators said Monday they are still seeking information leading to the robber’s apprehension.

The armed robbery was reported at 6:30 p.m. at the Dollar General located on Plainview Highway, Godwin.

According to reports, Marcella Elmore was victimized in the incident. She did not sustain any injuries in the robbery, but her purse was stolen. Reports state numerous personal documents and other items were taken, including a bank card, insurance card, driver’s license, cash and a deposit slip.

Sheriff’s Capt. Eric Pope said the female victim had pulled into the store’s parking lot when, moments later, she was approached by a male suspect.

“Apparently, he approached the victim outside the store,” said Pope. “She was in her vehicle when the suspect approached and asked her how far Lillington was from Dollar General.”

She said she did not know and the suspect walked the opposite direction, before almost immediately coming back to the woman as she exited her vehicle. He asked her if she was going to Lillington and pulled a black handgun, demanding her purse. Elmore, who was on her cell phone during the incident, struggled with the perpetrator for several moments before he snatched the purse from her, Pope said.

“He ran into a wooded area near Dollar General,” he noted. “Deputies did a search of the area and were unable to find him. We don’t know if he had a vehicle waiting nearby or anything.”

The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, with a skinny build and very short blondish-brown hair. He was wearing a lime green shirt with light blue jeans and had a slight beard.

Anyone with information about the incident or possible whereabouts of the suspect is urged to call the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 592-4141.

Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 121, or by email at sicrime@heartlandpublications.com.