A Roanoke Rapids man has been identified as the person wanted in the February 2 BP robbery where a clerk was held at knifepoint and forced to give him money.

Robert Duane Harris Jr., 27, is believed to have left the area, Roanoke Rapids police investigators confirmed this morning. Investigators are working with other agencies to locate Harris.

Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement Investigator Bobby Martin, through a diligent examination into the crime, was able to develop Harris as the alleged suspect.

Martin has obtained warrants for Harris's arrest on counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and second-degree kidnapping.

“We have to give a shout out to Sergeant Mike Moseley,” Martin said this morning. “After the information was posted, within 10 minutes he had sent me a message telling me who it was. Detective (Jeff) Davis played a big role and spent a lot of time on interviews because it was tied in with his (separate) investigation.”

In addition to the warrants for the robbery, Davis obtained warrants for Harris's arrest on charges of larceny of a firearm, obtaining property by false pretense and felony larceny.

Davis said this case involves Harris reportedly pawning an item stolen from a family member.

In his statement, Hasty said, “Investigators B.L Martin and J.K. Davis along with assistance from Sergeant Mike Moseley worked very hard in putting together and sharing information to solve this case. I encourage Mr. Harris to turn himself in so that these charges can be taking care of.”

The robbery occurred around 10 p.m. at the East Tenth Street New Dixie Mart when a man entered the store as the employee was putting up stock.

Martin said the man forced the employee from one location of the store to the other, armed with a knife, and demanded money.

Anyone with information on Harris's whereabouts is encouraged to contact Martin or Davis at the police department 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.