MURFREESBORO – An additional charge has been leveled against a suspect who allegedly robbed and assaulted an elderly man here last week, according to the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD).

Thomas Leroy Johnson, 42, of 102 Center Road, Murfreesboro now stands charged with assault by strangulation in addition to common law robbery and assault inflicting serious injury.

Police Chief Darrell Rowe said the additional charge increased Johnson’s bond from $31,500 to $81,500.

“After further investigation we felt the charge was appropriate for the crime,” said Rowe about the decision to add the one count of assault by strangulation.

He added the decision was based on the evidence and the victim’s testimony.

Johnson was arrested on Saturday by MPD in connection to an assault and robbery that took place on July 26 near Chowan University’s Jenkins Center on Lakeview Drive.

During that incident, Johnson allegedly attacked a man walking near the Jenkins Center from behind and wrestled the victim to the ground. Johnson then allegedly struck the victim in the face with his fist and took his wallet.

The suspect then fled the scene, stopping to shed an orange, black and white “golf shirt” and faded blue jeans. Those clothes along with the victim’s wallet were recovered by MPD. Those items were hidden under the Jenkins Center building by the attacker.

Johnson allegedly stole cash from the wallet.

Police were able to identify Johnson through surveillance videotapes at local businesses he visited wearing the same clothes worn during the attack.

According to an official at the Hertford County Jail, the suspect has not made bond.