Augusta, GA -- 54-year-old Lawrence Stephens spent 3 days in the hospital and needed plastic surgery to reconstruct his face. He simply fell victim to a crime that could happen to anyone, especially now.
Lt. Scott Peebles, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office: “He went into the restroom as he came out of the stall, he was attacked by what we believe is 3 individuals. After his daughter waited on him to come out and he didn't come out, someone went in, checked and found him lying on the floor in the bathroom.”
Stephens was beaten so badly he spent 3 nights in the hospital, and had 3 jaw replacements. The alleged attack happened here, in the Sears department store bathroom at the Augusta Mall.
Lt. Peebles: “You know we're always telling people at this time of year to be extra careful because obviously there's an increase of crime at this time of year and there are more people out to be targeted.”
Here in the two-state thousands have already started their holiday shopping. They're thinking gifts, not the possibility of getting robbed.
Cassandra Elam, North Augusta: “Not in a department store I've never really thought about it, but I always hold my purse in a cart like in the grocery store, kind of hold the handle of the purse.”
Mary Louise Banister, Augusta: “When I think about it, I try and keep my purse a little close.”
But what about men who being robbed, like Lawrence Stephens, those who don't have the obvious target like a purse?
Jason Christopher, Augusta: “It hasn't gotten to the point where I really consciously think about it but right now I will be having a closer eye when i do go shopping and make sure I am safe.”
Unfortunately, for Lawrence Stephens he was a target of a random crime, something he probably could not have prevented.
Lt. Scott Peebles: “You can take steps to be aware of your surroundings. To travel in groups and not travel alone at least, but still in a case like this there is very little that someone could have prepared for.”
We talked with Stephen's lawyer today who suggests more malls, especially during the holidays, should hire workers to be in the bathrooms. Tonight investigators say that they are looking at potential surveillance video. Unfortunately no witnesses were in the bathroom when it happened, and Stephens remembers very little.
$95 worth of valuables was stolen from Stephens. When police catch the suspects, they say they're going to charge them with aggravated battery and robbery by force.
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