Police Search For Suspect After Social Media Sale Ends In Robbery

SELMA, N.C. — Selma Police are searching for a suspect after a planned meeting to purchase an item advertised on social media turned into a robbery Tuesday afternoon.

The incident was reported around 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the BP convenience store on U.S. 70.

According to police, a buyer had arranged to meet the seller to purchase an item that had been listed for sale on social media. After the two met in the parking lot, the buyer was robbed.

The suspect fled on foot behind the convenience store toward a nearby apartment complex before running into a wooded area along the railroad tracks. The victim drove to a nearby KFC Restaurant parking lot and called for help.

Multiple Selma Police officers responded and established a perimeter while searching for the suspect. A police drone was also deployed to assist officers from the air.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist in the search.

Police said the suspect escaped on foot but had been identified.

Police continue to investigate the incident. Additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.