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An armed suspect remains at large, last seen driving toward Buckingham County in a stolen vehicle, after searching for money at The Auto Connection on West Third Street in Farmville and shooting a dealership employee in the leg Thursday afternoon, July 16.

A press release from the Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office said at approximately 2:30 p.m., deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at The Auto Connection located on West Third Street near the intersection of Route 15 and U.S. 460 Business at Dowdy’s Corner.

According to the business owner, a male subject entered the business armed with a handgun and began searching for money, Sheriff L.A. “Tony” Epps said in the release. An employee of the business managed to escape through a rear door. The suspect then fired a single shot, striking the fleeing person in the leg.

The employee ran to a nearby residence and called 911. 

“The suspect then stole a 2000 Silver BMW sedan with an independent dealer tag and left the scene, last seen traveling north on Route 15 toward Buckingham,” Epps said.

The suspect is described as a black male, ranging approximately 6 feet to 6 feet, 3 inches in height and weighing 220-240 pounds. He was seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. 

An undisclosed amount of cash was taken. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Investigator Sarah Meeks at (434) 392-8101 or Crime Solvers at (434) 392-3400. 

The shooting victim was transported and treated at Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville and was later released.