Panhandlers Clash in Whiteville, One Injured

Homeless man cut on toe, robbed of $3.58 in early morning altercation

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A homeless man named Bruce Pollard, 24, was panhandling near a Hardee's restaurant in Whiteville, North Carolina when another panhandler approached him and asked for money. The two men got into a fight, with both pulling knives, and Pollard was cut on the toe and robbed of $3.58 by the other man, who then fled the scene.

Why it matters

Incidents of violence and theft between homeless individuals struggling to make ends meet on the streets highlight the challenges facing many in the community. This story raises questions about resources and support for the homeless population in Whiteville.

The details

According to the police report, Pollard told officers he was panhandling around 4 a.m. when another man approached him and asked for money. After Pollard gave the man 50 cents, a fight broke out and both men pulled knives. Pollard was cut on the toe and the other man stole $3.58 from him before fleeing. Pollard was heavily intoxicated when speaking to police, but his injuries were not serious.

  • The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on March 4, 2026.

The players

Bruce Pollard

A 24-year-old homeless man who was panhandling near a Hardee's restaurant in Whiteville when the incident occurred.

Unidentified Panhandler

Another homeless individual who approached Pollard, asked him for money, and then got into a fight with him, cutting Pollard on the toe and stealing $3.58 from him.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges facing homeless individuals in Whiteville and the need for greater community resources and support to address issues of poverty, addiction, and violence on the streets.