A 56-year-old man is recovering from a gunshot wound after reportedly being held up while walking to a convenience store in Clinton Thursday night.

According to Clinton Police reports, the man was walking towards the Marathon station, located at 1001 Lisbon Road, around 8:30 p.m. when a vehicle pulled up beside him. The person inside asked him if he wanted a ride.

The victim told police he accepted the ride thinking that the two males in the vehicle were distant relatives of his. Once inside the car, he realized they were not.

Within minutes, the passenger pulled a gun on the man and a struggle ensued, noted Capt. Jay Tilley.

“It was a robbery attempt,” he said. “Once the victim saw the gun, he grabbed it and a struggle began. During the struggle, the gun went off and shot the victim in the upper left leg.”

The man jumped out of the car and ran to call for help. He was immediately taken to Sampson Regional Medical Center and treated. The bullet entered his leg above the knee and went through the back of the leg, Tilley said.

Investigators are still searching for the two suspects, described as black males, one with a small build. The were driving a small, four-door vehicle.

If you have any information on this case or happened to be in the area at the time of the attempted robbery and shooting, you are asked to call the Clinton Police Department at 910-592-3105.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or email to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.