MURFREESBORO – A Murfreesboro businessman has pledged an additional $500 to the reward being offered for a violent criminal that remains at large.

Murfreesboro Police Chief Darryl Rowe confirmed on Monday that Jimmy Williams of Williams Professional Painting and Power-Washing has agreed to increase the financial incentive for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an individual who attacked a local couple in their home this past Wednesday.

On July 26 around 3 a.m., someone illegally entered a home on Main Street and assaulted a married couple that lived at the residence.

After struggling with the intruder, the occupants managed to injure the intruder and forced him to flee the home.

The suspect has been described as a black male approximately 5’5&uot; to 5&uot;10&uot; in height with a muscular build. The suspect was last seen in the area on High Street near the Jefcoat Museum.

Williams’ pledge brings the total reward to $2000.

After the Murfreesboro Police offered a $500 reward, a private citizen upped the ante and committed an additional $1000 to encourage anyone with information to come forward.

Williams also pleaded to other businesses in the area to step up and assist in the efforts to bring this suspect to justice.

Chief Rowe was appreciative of Williams’ support.

&uot;I commend Mr. Williams for wanting to get involved in this case,&uot; Rowe said by telephone Monday. &uot;We really appreciate when citizens step up to help the police in their efforts to bring violent criminals to justice. I am very proud of the citizens of Murfreesboro.&uot;

Rowe went on to reiterate the necessity for the community to come forward with information that could help identify and locate this suspect.

&uot;Whatever information an individual may have could be useful,&uot; Rowe said. &uot;Any person who comes forward can be assured of confidentiality.&uot;

Anyone having information should call the Murfreesboro Police Department at 398-4151.