Surveillance video shows clerk in headlock dragged across store by robber

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — A clerk said a gunman put her in a headlock before dragging her across a Catawba County convenience store Friday morning during a robbery.

Several officers responded around 6:30 a.m. to the Run-in Whistle Stop near Conover after an employee said a man assaulted her during an armed robbery.

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Detectives said the robber grabbed the clerk around her neck and dragged her across the store.

At one point, he took her into an office, and when he realized there was a surveillance camera there, he smashed it.

Channel 9 learned that deputies believe the business was targeted because it sometimes cashes checks on Fridays and the suspect knew what he was looking for.

Detectives also told Channel 9 the man went to the extremes by wearing fake dreads and extra clothing to appear larger.

Deputies said they were able to find where he accidentally dropped some of the stolen money behind a home next to the store.

"Very nice for that to happen," Cpt. Aaron Turk from the Catawba County Sheriff's Office said. "We will take breaks when they come our way. And, I'm proud of the work of our detectives this morning."

Customers said they are in disbelief by the amount of excessive force used against the clerk.

"I can't imagine another human being doing that to another human being," neighbor Brianna Barnes said. "They've been so good to everybody back in this trailer park. So everybody knows them as a community friend. They're it you know.

No arrests have been made at this point.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

Cox Media Group