Vanceboro Man Charged in Laundromat Robbery, Assault

Michael Jenkins accused of stealing $315 and assaulting cashier in New Bern, North Carolina

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:48pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled dollar bill and a few scattered coins against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of a violent robbery at a local business.A violent robbery at a New Bern laundromat exposes the vulnerability of small businesses to sudden acts of crime and violence.Vanceboro Today

A 57-year-old man from Vanceboro, North Carolina has been charged with common law robbery and assault on a female after allegedly stealing $315 from a laundromat in New Bern and assaulting the cashier, drawing blood from her hand. Police arrested Jenkins about 15 minutes after the incident and recovered the stolen cash.

Why it matters

Robberies and assaults on small businesses like local laundromats can have a significant impact on the community, damaging public trust and creating a sense of insecurity. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by small businesses in maintaining safety and security for their employees and customers.

The details

According to police, Michael Jenkins entered the Broad Street Laundry in New Bern around 7:30 AM and robbed the cashier of $315. During the robbery, Jenkins allegedly assaulted the female cashier, scratching her hand and drawing blood. Jenkins then fled the scene, but was apprehended by police about 15 minutes later in the nearby Craven Terrace area. Officers recovered the stolen cash from Jenkins, who was unarmed at the time of his arrest.

  • The incident occurred just before 7:30 AM on April 8, 2026.
  • Police arrested Jenkins about 15 minutes after the robbery.

The players

Michael Jenkins

A 57-year-old man from Vanceboro, North Carolina who was charged with common law robbery and assault on a female for the incident at the Broad Street Laundry.

Broad Street Laundry

A laundromat located in New Bern, North Carolina that was the site of the robbery and assault.

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What’s next

Jenkins is being held in the Craven County Jail without bond. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case underscores the vulnerability of small businesses to criminal activity and the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of employees and customers in local communities.