A teenager was struck in the face with an axe Monday while defending his stepmother. Warrants have been issued for the male suspect in the case.
Patrick Gatlin, 39, a black male, is wanted for assault with a deadly weapon in the case, the sheriff’s office reported.
Sgt. F. Blanton responded to 199 Fairfield Drive East Monday after a report of an assault. He found the victim, Reynaldo Hernandez Jr., in the front yard of the home.
Hernandez told Blanton that Gatlin was arguing with the victim’s mother, Cassandra Whitman around 1:30 p.m. When Hernandez tried to “escort Gatlin out of the residence,” the report said, Gatlin began punching Hernandez. He then grabbed an axe and struck him in the mouth and back of his head. Gatlin fled the scene on foot.
Deputies conducted a search of the area, but did not locate Gatlin. When Whiteville Rescue arrived, Hernandez refused to be transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
Magistrate J.D. White issued an arrest warrant for Gatlin. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff’s office or 911.
Be the first to comment