A Roanoke Rapids police officer was assaulted early this morning but was not hurt.

Items thrown by the man who allegedly assaulted him following a traffic stop were located with the help of a Halifax County Sheriff’s Office deputy and his dog.

Shortly before 1 a.m., Officer Roy Ball stopped a black Nissan Maxima for a traffic violation.

Ball asked the passenger to step out of vehicle after further investigation. The man, Jamill Simmons, 21, of Dickens Avenue in the Lincoln Heights community, allegedly assaulted Ball by hitting him. He then fled.

Ball and Officer Chris Biggerstaff located Simmons behind the Blue Flame near the CSX depot on Roanoke Avenue.

Captain Andy Jackson of the police department said Deputy Matt Brown brought his dog Mattie, which located an ounce of marijuana, currency and digital scales. “Our hats are off to the dog and his handler.”

Simmons was charged with assault on a government official, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was jailed on $5,000 secured bond and has an October 10 court date.