Newton Citizen

COVINGTON - Covington authorities are investigating an incident in which a man was reportedly assaulted outside an apartment building with a baseball bat Tuesday night.

Shortly after 7 p.m., police responded to Newton Medical Center and spoke to the victim, who said he had been beaten unconscious with a baseball bat by a black man who goes by the nickname "Big Money," according to an incident report completed by Covington Police Officer Audrey Folden.

According to Folden, the victim had visible injuries on his stomach, arm and head.

The victim told Folden he was standing outside smoking a cigarette at a friend's residence inside the Magnolia Heights apartment complex when a black Oldsmobile pulled up near him.

Four black men and a black woman reportedly jumped out of the car and rushed up to the apartment where the victim was standing. According to the victim, one of the men appeared to have a small handgun in his possession.

The suspect, who initially stayed behind in the vehicle, allegedly pulled a bat from the car and started to strike him with it, according to the incident report.

Following the assault, the victim said he was found by his brother-in-law, who dropped him off at the hospital.

The victim said a fight broke out between the suspect and his brother-in-law's friend earlier in the day over an unpaid debt, but he reportedly was not involved in the altercation.

As for why the victim was attacked, the motive remains unclear, according to Detective Daniel Seals, spokesman for the Covington Police Department.

Police ask anyone with information concerning the incident to call the CPD at 770-786-7605. Tips can be given to the CPD anonymously by visiting the Web site www.covingtonpolice.com and clicking on "contact us" and then "secret witness."

Joel Griffin can be reached at joel.griffin@newtoncitizen.com.