CHINA GROVE — The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is looking for three men who assaulted a China Grove man with a knife early this morning.
Capt. John Sifford said Bobby Gene Austin, 51, of the 100 block of Cedar Ridge Lane, sustained cuts to his arms, legs and upper body about 12:20 a.m.
“The victim stated he had received a phone call at about 10 p.m. from an unknown male and an unlisted number who said he was coming over to kill the victim and his family,” Sifford said in an email to the Post.
Sifford said Austin heard a knock at his back door about 12:15 a.m. When he went outside, three men with hoods on their faces began assaulting him with knives.
Austin could not give any further description of the suspects, but believes white and black males were involved.
When police arrived, the men fled on foot into the woods.
Sifford said a Sheriff’s K-9 tracked the men through the parking lot of Dayspring Community Church on Lenz Road, but did not find them.
Austin told police he has a court case pending on a previous assault case, but the defendant is still in jail. He also said his daughter has an on-going custody battle and a pending 50-B protective order hearing with an ex-boyfriend.
Sifford said Austin required numerous staples and stitches and is in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Tracey Misenheimer at 704-216-8700.