Roanoke Rapids police are investigating a pistol whipping which occurred Tuesday morning on Emry Street.

Captain Andy Jackson said police received the call shortly after 1:15 a.m. and spoke to a victim who said a person wearing all black and ski mask came to the door.

The victim asked the person, “What’s up,” and then turned and walked away. The suspect grabbed the victim, shot a pistol in the air and then hit the victim in the head three or four times with it before a struggled ensued.

The masked person fled from the house at 230 Emry Street. A department of correction canine track was requested and the trail went cold at Birdsong Street.

Jackson said officers recovered a spent .45-caliber casing and a magazine with two rounds in it.

The suspect is described as a black male standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds with a medium build.

The victim did not request medical treatment.

Anyone with information is encouraged to Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or the police department at 252-533-1810.