COFIELD – Four men are being sought in connection with a kidnapping and robbery that took place here last week.

Hertford County Sheriff Juan Vaughan reported that four black males allegedly forced a man into his home at gunpoint. Once inside, the suspects are alleged to have taken an undisclosed amount of cash as well as a substantial amount of jewelry.

Robert Archer, the victim in the case who chose to have his name published, is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Archer said he was standing in the front yard at his home when a dark-colored Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) pulled into the driveway.

“Mr. Archer is the proprietor of Archer’s Trucking,” explained Sheriff Vaughan. “He told investigators that a black male exited the vehicle and came up to him telling him he had logs for him to pull.

“While the first subject was still talking to Mr. Archer, another black male exited the vehicle and approached him,” the sheriff continued. “While he was standing there, the first subject pulled a black handgun and forced him (Archer) inside the residence.”

The sheriff said once inside, Archer said he was told to “give up the money you won yesterday at the track.”

“The suspects then told him he could do it the easy way or the hard way, meaning they would wait for his family to come home,” Sheriff Vaughan said.

Archer then reportedly told the suspects where he kept his money. He was then allegedly tied up with duct tape and placed in a bedroom with a chair against the door.

Sheriff Vaughan said the four men then opened drawers throughout the home and dumped the contents on the floor.

Hertford County Sheriff’s Office Investigators Dexter Hayes and Raymond Eure are handling the investigation.

One of the four suspects was wearing blue jeans and a gray sweatshirt while another had on a gray sweatshirt and black toboggan. The third suspect had on a dark-colored Dickie short-sleeve shirt and pants. Archer was not able to identify the clothing of the fourth man.

“We would appreciate any help the community may be able to offer in this investigation,” Sheriff Vaughan said. “If anyone saw the vehicle, the suspects or anything of that nature, we ask them to give us a call.”

Those with information should call Hertford County Crimestoppers at 358-7841.