Barker robbed again

By Erinn McGuire

Four months after being shot during an armed robbery, convenience store owner Don Barker was victimized a second time early Thursday morning.
The well-known businessman was robbed and assaulted outside his home. The assailant escaped with a large amount of money and checks.
Despite the bruises and scrapes he sustained in the attack, the owner of Barker's Grocery on U.S. Highway 21 still managed to be behind the cash register in time to serve the lunchtime crowd.
Barker, who has owned the corner store for about 30 years, joked about the scuffle he had early in the morning when an unknown man attacked him outside his White's Farm Road home.
"If I had some hair, it wouldn't be so bad," he said as he rubbed his forehead. "I got a few knocks and am sore."
The store's phone rang throughout the day as customers and friends called to check on him after hearing of the assault.
"He will help anyone who needs it," said lifelong friend Bill Hayes, a retiree who has spent just about every day at Barker's store.
Even though Barker's store has a variety of items, the business is better known for its customer service.
"There's friendship and accommodation," Hayes said. "That's what you come here for."
In November, an armed man shot Barker twice. He was hospitalized and has recovered from his injuries. No money was taken during that incident.
"It would be pretty easy to be bitter, but he's not," said close friend and customer Leon Moose.
The recent attacks haven't deterred Barker and his wife, Sue.
"We are going to live our lives," Sue Barker said. "We're not going to let these cailber of people ruin our lives."
Barker cashes checks for people, many of whom do not have bank accounts. Some say Barker's check cashing business is a valuable service to the community.
"People are taking advantage of that," said Cowles "Cokie" Brisol, Barker's minister. "They're really going to hurt everyone."
Iredell County sheriff's deputies said they are unsure if November's shooting incident and Wednesday's attack are related.
In January, sheriff's detectives arrested five men and charged them in connection to eight robberies, including the November armed robbery at Barker's store.
Since the initial shooting, Barker's store has had two unrelated larcenies where beer and cigarettes were stolen.
Sue Barker said her feelings were mixed about the attack that took place at her home.
"It's a day I hope I never have to repeat," she said.
Barker said he went to start his car around 6 a.m. and then went back inside his house to talk to his wife for a moment. When he returned outside, he was jumped from behind and knocked to the gorund. Barker scuffled with his assailant, but the man was able to get away and ran into the woods.
Investigators believe Barker's attacker had help. Another man is thought to have been driving a small gray car, deputies said.
Immediately following the attack, Barker drove around his neighborhood looking for the suspected robbers. He came across the small car parked nearby. When Barker pulled up next to the car, the driver sped away, Barker said.
The businessman followed behind, chasing the compact car through his store parking lot at the corner of White's Farm and Jennings roads.
The man was able to get away after Barker's vehicle hit a pole.
Sheriff's deputies are looking for a white male in his mid-30s who has light brown hair and a thin moustache. He is slightly overweight with a round face.