Man Claims Drug Dealer Assaulted Him

A Hoschton man said he was beaten and threatened after refusing to sell drugs for a local dealer.

Gwinnett County Police were called to the victim’s Hampton Walk Drive home on March 25. When the officer arrived, he found the victim sitting on the tailgate of a pickup truck outside the residence. The victim had swelling, bruising and dried blood on his face.

The victim advised the officer that he had been working with Auburn Police Department officers investigating the local drug trade. The victim said he received a call from a local drug dealer he knows only as “James.”

According to the victim, James is part of a drug ring that transports narcotics to South Carolina for sale. The victim said James threatened to kill him if he did not agree to sell drugs for the group. A short time later, James reportedly came to the victim’s house. The pair then went to James’ home where they were allegedly joined by several of James’ associates.

The victim said James and his associates held him on the ground and struck him repeatedly in the face with a pistol. The victim said he was also kicked and punched in the stomach. While he was being held on the ground, one of his attackers reportedly fired a gun into the ground near his head multiple times. During the assault, James allegedly threatened to kill the victim.

The victim said he attempted to leave several times, but was held against his will. Eventually, the victim escaped and walked back to his home but could not explain to the officer how he managed to free himself from his alleged captors. The victim was also unable to advise exactly where the attack transpired. While speaking with the officer, the victim gave varying accounts of why he was attacked. At one point, the victim said he was attacked for working with Auburn police. Later, the victim said he was attacked for refusing to sell drugs.

The victim’s father was at the scene and advised that James had offered to help get the victim’s girlfriend out of the Barrow County Jail. The father believed that was the primary reason the victim agreed to go with James. The father further advised that the victim is addicted to prescription drugs and is working with police in an effort to end his drug use.

The victim’s father showed officers where James lived. Due to the victim’s inconsistent statements, officers did not attempt to question James at the time and forwarded the matter to investigations.

The case is listed as active.