Man Arrested After Alleged Sexual Battery Inside Grocery Store

JOHNSTON COUNTY – A Selma man was arrested after deputies allege he inappropriately touched a woman inside a grocery store near Benson.

The incident was reported Oct. 17 at the Food Lion on NC Highway 210 near Interstate 40.

According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect entered the store and, while in an aisle, allegedly grabbed the woman on the buttocks before immediately leaving the business.

Deputies responded to the area and located the suspect inside a nearby business, where he was taken into custody.

Authorities said the man attempted to pull away from deputies while they were placing him in handcuffs.

Robert Blake Strother, 39, of West Oak Street in Selma, was charged with misdemeanor sexual battery and resisting a public officer.

He was held under a $5,000 secured bond.