A Long County man sustained a brutal beating during a holdup between 1:30-3:50 a.m. July 2 in the Sandhill community.
John Rowell, 57, reportedly took a call from his friend, Christi Marie Culbreth, who told Rowell she needed a ride sometime after 1 a.m., according to Long County Sheriff’s Office Detective Al Cato.
Rowell met Culbreth on Smith Berry Road and drove her to her residence, not far from where he picked her up. Culbreth told Rowell she had to pick up something from her home. While Rowell waited in his gray 1999 Buick Park Avenue, Cedric Harris allegedly tapped on the window of Rowell’s vehicle. When Rowell got out of the car to see what Harris wanted, Harris allegedly began to pistol-whip Rowell with a handgun. During the assault, Culbreth allegedly began to beat Rowell with a pipe.
When Rowell was unconscious, they reportedly stole his cash and put him into the trunk of his vehicle. Later, the pair allegedly moved Rowell to the trunk of Culbreth’s 1999 Buick Regal and drove off in Rowell’s vehicle.
Rowell freed himself from the Regal’s trunk and called 911. When emergency medical personnel arrived, they transported him to Liberty Regional Medical Center in Hinesville, where he received stitches for his injuries.
Authorities are searching for Harris, who faces charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault, hijacking a motor vehicle and kidnapping, and Culbreth, who also faces charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault, hijacking a motor vehicle and kidnapping. The Park Avenue has Georgia tags, PRP8216.
Authorities consider both suspects dangerous. They also may be armed. Anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts should call the Long County Sheriff’s Office at 545-2118 or 911.