MURFREESBORO – A suspect is at large following assault and robbery here, according to the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD).

Police Chief Darrell Rowe said the assault and robbery of an elderly male occurred on Thursday at approximately 7:06 a.m. near Chowan University’s Jenkins Center on Lakeview Drive.

“The elderly (victim) was walking when he was attacked from behind,” said Rowe. “The victim was wrestled to the ground and struck (by the suspect’s fist) in the face.”

The suspect then took the victim’s wallet.

Rowe said by the time MPD arrived the suspect had fled the scene.

Rowe said the victim did not want the Rescue Squad and was taken to the doctors by a family member to be checked over.

The suspect is described as a six foot tall black male in his early 30s.

At the time of the attack, the suspect was wearing an orange, white and black multicolored collared “golf type” shirt and faded blue jeans.

Those clothes along with the victim’s wallet were discovered by MPD hidden under the Jenkins building. Cash from the wallet was taken.

“The suspect may have worn two sets of clothing presumably to avoid being identified by the description given by the victim,” said Rowe.

Rowe said several people have been interviewed who have seen the subject on several streets in town before the incident.

“(The victim) is very fortunate,” said Rowe.

He added the department is treating the case as top priority and have several valuable leads.

Rowe warned citizens to be vigilant while out on their daily exercise routines and to be aware of their surroundings.

He also urged anyone who saw the suspect or has information about the crime to call MPD at (252) 398-4151.