MURFREESBORO – On September 29, Jerome Antwan Gaskins, 20 of Ahoskie, was arrested and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon for allegedly robbing the Duck Thru in Murfreesboro.

He was also charged with resist, obstruct and delay.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 12:08 p.m. was made known to the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) when it received a call from an undisclosed source on West Main Street who reported that the suspect, described as a black male, had left on foot and was traveling north from the Duck Thru location.

About three to four minutes following the phone call, Murfreesboro Fire Chief Billy Deanes and EMS members James Broglin and Kim Bristow, who were in the area, saw the suspect attempting to change clothes behind one of the nearby businesses.

Gaskins reportedly proceeded on foot in the direction of NAPA Auto Parts, and entered to ask one of the store’s employees for a ride.

When denied, he left the building and began to run west down Main Street where MPD Sergeant Mike Patterson spotted him and attempted arrest.

The subject continued to run through an area of Arkland Child Development and Daycare Center where Patterson, Deanes and Broglin apprehended him. Also assisting in the arrest was MPD Captain Chris Sumner.

Immediately following the arrest, Gaskins was brought before the Hertford County magistrate where he was placed under a $52,000 secured bond.

Although the gun allegedly used in the crime was determined to be a BB gun, the incident is still considered legally punishable by the same standards as armed robbery with a deadly weapon.

Approximately $100 in cash was recovered from the robbery.

Police Chief Darrell Rowe extended thanks to Deanes, Broglin and Bristow &uot;for going above and beyond the normal scope of their jobs in helping law enforcement officials do their job,&uot; and praised officers, Patterson and Sumner &uot;for quick and efficient work.&uot;