MURFREESBORO — A robbery at a ATM here led to the quick apprehension of a suspect by local law enforcement.

Thomas Leroy Johnson, 45, of Murfreesboro was taken into custody Monday evening by the Murfreesboro Police Department after he allegedly robbed a female victim at the Cash Points ATM on the east side of town located near McDonald’s.

Murfreesboro Police Chief Darrell Rowe said officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:40 p.m.

According to the information provided by the victim for the report, she was approached by a male subject who asked her for a cigarette. The victim responded she didn’t have one.

“He then came up behind her and asked again for a cigarette and about that time the money came out of the machine,” Rowe said. “He pushed her to the ground and snatched the money.”

In addition to Murfreesboro officers responding, a K-9 unit from Ahoskie Police Department was also summoned to the scene.

Rowe said the investigation, the use of information from citizens and the K-9 helped lead to Johnson’s arrest a few hours later.

MPD Capt. Chris Sumner charged Johnson with felony common law robbery and misdemeanor assault. Johnson was given a bond of $75,000 and was transported to the Hertford County Jail.

MPD Lt. Joe Burgess, Sgt. James Dilday and Officer David Griffith assisted in the investigation.