A Roanoke Rapids city employee today was beaten while in their work truck at Tenth Street near Park Avenue.

Police Chief Shane Guyant it is not clear what prompted the assault. He declined to comment on what department the employee worked for because he said it may reveal the victim’s identity.

Guyant said the employee may lose teeth due to the assault which occurred around 9:30 a.m.

Terence Antonio Porter, 36, of Roanoke Rapids, was charged in the assault and of this report remains in the Halifax County Detention Center on a $5,000 secured bond.

Guyant said the employee did not know Porter.

The victim stated Porter walked out of a store and approached the vehicle. He then grabbed the door handle and opened the door without permission. 

Guyant said Porter struck the victim in the face with a closed fist multiple times and then left. 

Master Officer D. Norfleet gathered a description of Porter and swiftly located him walking west on East Eleventh Street going towards Carolina Street. 

Norfleet took Porter into custody with assistance of Lieutenant D.W. Jenkins. 

Porter was charged with assault inflicting serious bodily injury and breaking and entering of a motor vehicle. 

Porter has a November 21 district court date.