Store Clerk Injured During Robbery, Assault

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Smithfield Police are searching for a Clayton man accused of assaulting a store clerk during a robbery Tuesday morning.

Police have obtained arrest warrants for Devante Jerrod Norman of Clayton on charges of felony common law robbery and misdemeanor assault inflicting serious injury.

The incident was reported around 8:50 a.m. June 23 at a BP convenience store at 817 South Third Street.

According to police, Norman entered the store and brought several items to the checkout counter. After the clerk advised him of the total cost, Norman allegedly became upset and began yelling at the employee.

Investigators said Norman then left the store with the merchandise without paying.

The female clerk reportedly followed the suspect outside in an attempt to obtain a description of the vehicle he was driving. Police allege Norman pushed the clerk to the ground before fleeing the area with the stolen items.

The clerk sustained injuries from the fall and was transported to Johnston Medical Center in Smithfield for treatment.

As of Tuesday evening, Norman remained at large.

Anyone who knows Norman’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Smithfield Police Department at (919) 934-2121.