A Johnston County man was robbed Monday night and investigators think it may be linked to an internet relationship.
The 22 year-old Smithfield man said he met a girl on Facebook. After corresponding, they arranged to meet Monday night at a park in West Smithfield. The woman then changed the location to the dead end of Homestead Lane, a dirt road off Swift Creek Road, just off US 70 Business West.
Just before midnight the victim said he met the woman on the dirt road. She immediately asked if he had any money. He told her no but he did have money at home. She then asked him to retrieve the money and return. When the victim returned a short time later, a man armed with a shotgun, forced him to the ground and robbed him. The victim said the woman was present during the robbery.
The victim was able to flag down a Wilson’s Mills police officer on Swift Creek Road. The officer contacted the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators described the gunman as a black or Hispanic male with a tall thin build, wearing dark clothing and a black ski mask. The victim was not injured during the incident.
