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Woman hit in head with rock, robbed outside Gastonia business

GASTONIA, N.C. — The Gaston County Police Department said it's looking for a man who hit a woman in the head with a rock and robbed her Monday morning.

It happened around 7:30 a.m. outside Riverwood Medical on Union Road near Gaston Day School Road.

Police said the woman was heading into work when the man hit her in the head with a rock. He then stole her watch and purse and ran off.

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Clients were shocked to hear about the crime.

"You need to check your surroundings, everywhere you go. That's what I do,” visitor Sherika Kendricks said.

“That’s terrible. I’m glad it wasn’t me. I hate it was her,” visitor Kat Wilson said.

Police said the suspect was described as an older white man, wearing a blue sweatshirt, blue jeans and white shoes. He is between 5’8” and 5’10” with brown or blond hair.

The victim and other employees told police they’ve seen a homeless man sleeping on a bench behind the business several times, but the victim is not sure if he is the man who robbed her.

Officials are asking anyone with information to contact Officer V Ormondi with the Gaston County Police Department at (704) 866-3320 or call CrimeStoppers of Gaston County at (704) 861-8000.

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