News - Local/State

Tuesday, Jul. 15, 2008

Produce vendor robbed of $350

A McConnells man was robbed Saturday morning while selling produce at the York County Farmers Market, but he said he doesn't want this incident to deter customers.

J.B. Wood was the last vendor left at the downtown Rock Hill produce market around 11:45 a.m. Saturday when he noticed a man near his truck. He didn't pay much attention to the man, Wood said.

Wood said he thought the man had gone down the street when he was hit in the left shoulder from behind. The thief put his hands in Wood's pocket and stole about $350, according to a Rock Hill Police Department report.

Wood said he grabbed the man's hand and struggled with him, but he was unable to hold the suspect. He did not seek medical treatment after the attack.

Witnesses followed the suspect from Elizabeth Lane to Chestnut Street, according to the police report, but they were unable to track him down.

Wood said he has been selling corn, peaches, plums, watermelon and other in-season produce -- most of which he grows -- for two years at Elizabeth Lane and Black Street. He said he has never heard of something like this happening at the local market.

"I think the farmers market is safe," Wood said. "It's a good place to get local-grown produce. I feel secure there."

However, Wood said the incident has caused him to be more aware of his surroundings. The incident remains under investigation.