On Thursday, December 16, 2021, Investigators from the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported armed robbery at 11944 NC Highway 55, The Highway 55 Tobacco and Vape Shop in Grantsboro. It was reported that an unknown male busted the drive-thru window with a crowbar and demanded money from the clerk. The suspect fled the scene on foot with an undetermined amount of cash.
As a result of the investigation Bobby Barber, 42 of New Bern and Katrina Mahmud, 41, also of New Bern were arrested and charged with the crime. Mahmud was an employee of the business and is the spouse of Barber.
The pair were charged with 1 count each of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and 1 count each of Injury to Real Property. Barber turned himself in without incident and posted a $30,000.00 secured bond. Mahmud turned herself in without incident and was placed into the Pamlico County Detention Center under a $30,000.00 secured bond.
