Burlington, NC - On 8/12/08 at 2239 hrs Stephen Beech, w/m, Burlington, NC, reported he was the victim of a robbery while in the area of Bland Blvd. and N. Church St.  The suspects were described as 3-4 young black males, wearing head coverings, and shorts.  The suspects struck Beech in the head and body. Beech was transported to ARMC and later transferred to UNC- Chapel Hill Hospital reference to his injuries.

On 8/13/08 at 0140 hrs, Brandon Lee Elswick, w/m, Burlington, NC, reported he was the victim of an assault while at the intersection of Rolling Rd. and Virginia Ave.  Elswick described the suspects as 3-4 black males, one wearing a white shirt, brown hat, dark shorts, and shoulder length braided hair.  The suspects assaulted Elswick and were last seen running south on Virginia Ave.  Elswick was transported to ARMC reference to his injuries.

On 8/13/08 at 0149 hrs, Joseph Walker, b/m, Graham, NC, reported he was the victim of a strong-armed robbery while in the area of Grace Ave. and Gilmer St.  Walker advised he had provided one of the suspects a ride and when they approached the area of Gilmer and Grace, 3-4 additional males approached the vehicle and forcibly took money from the victim.  One of the suspects assaulted Walker by striking him in the face.  Walker refused medical treatment and was later transported himself to ARMC.

In each case the suspects describe the suspects as 3-4 younger black males, wearing dark clothing.  One suspect was described as wearing a brown in color shirt with a gold design on the front.  It is unknown if these crimes are related at this time.

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As a result of the preliminary investigation and suspect descriptions, one suspect from the Beach assault was identified and is being interviewed by Detectives.  This is an ongoing investigation. Additional details will be forwarded as they develop.

Any person with any information on any of the above cases please contact the Burlington Police Department at (336) 229-3500 or Crimestoppers at (336) 229-7100.