Police Investigate Attempted Vehicular Assault

SMITHFIELD – An employee at a Smithfield convenience store narrowly avoided being hit by a car driven by an alleged shoplifting suspect. Police have obtained security camera video and are working to identify the driver.

It happened shortly before 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at Star Market, located at 836 W. Market Street.

Police said a teenager went into the business and attempted to purchase tobacco products, while underage and without identification. The clerk informed the teen he could not buy any tobacco products.

The individual reportedly shoplifted an item from the store then attempted to drive away. The clerk confronted the shoplifting suspect in the parking lot. While standing in front of the suspect’s car, the man began to speed away. The clerk jumped out of the way, narrowly avoiding being hit.

No injuries were reported.

A description of the vehicle and the suspect have not been released.