Newton Citizen

Photo by Howard Reed

COVINGTON -- A man living in the Parkscape subdivision off Jack Neely Road was robbed and pistol-whipped in his own home by two men Saturday afternoon, according to the Newton County Sheriff's Office.

According to NCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Courtney Morrison, the victim told deputies he had met the two suspects earlier in the day at a convenience store.

"They got to talking and the victim began talking about the pit bull puppies he had for sale," Morrison said, adding that when the two black males expressed interest, the victim gave them his phone number and told them to call him.

They called and made arrangements to meet around 4 p.m. to see the dogs, she said.

"While in the back yard looking at the puppies, the two told the victim they were robbing him. One of them struck him in the face with a black handgun, which resulted in a broken nose and a laceration to his face," Morrison said.

She said the men took cash from the victim and fled the scene without taking anything else. A witness reported seeing four black males leaving the scene in an older model Chevrolet Caprice.

The matter is still under investigation and the Sheriff's Office asks that anyone with information on the incident to notify them at 678-625-1400. Tips can be given to the NCSO anonymously at 678-625-5007 or through the Web at www.newtonsheriffga.org and clicking on "anonymous tips." Those who want a response from NCSO personnel should leave contact information.

Morrison said the Sheriff's Office cautions residents about having strangers come to their homes for the purpose of purchasing items for sale.

"Take the items to a public location where it is populated and there are witnesses," she advised. "Most people would come to your home with the most honorable intentions, but there are others where this is not the safest course of action. You can even take pets to a parking lot for someone to see."