Executive Summary
- Davon Gurley was arrested in Marlboro County on charges of strong-armed robbery and assault by a mob.
- Investigators allege Gurley and two others beat a victim and stole a handgun, money, and a cellphone.
- The stolen cellphone was recovered by deputies near Cottingham Boulevard, while Gurley awaits a bond hearing.
The Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in connection with a violent robbery in the Bennettsville area, charging him with strong-armed robbery and assault by a mob. Authorities identified the suspect as Davon Gurley, who was taken into custody without incident following the reported altercation.
According to law enforcement officials, Gurley, acting alongside two other individuals, allegedly assaulted the victim by striking him with fists and kicking him after he had fallen to the ground. During the assault, the victim reported attempting to retrieve a firearm he was carrying, but the weapon was forcibly taken from him by the suspects.
Deputies stated that in addition to the handgun, the group robbed the victim of money and a cellphone. Investigators later located the stolen cellphone in a wooded area near the scene of the incident, which occurred in the vicinity of Cottingham Boulevard and Hopkins Street. Gurley was transported to the Marlboro County Detention Center, where he remains pending a bond hearing.
Procedural Next Steps and Legal Context
As the investigation proceeds, law enforcement efforts will likely focus on identifying and apprehending the additional suspects involved in the alleged mob assault. The theft of a firearm presents a specific public safety concern, prioritizing the recovery of the weapon to prevent its potential use in further criminal activity. The charges of mob assault and strong-armed robbery carry significant legal weight in South Carolina, reflecting the collaborative and violent nature of the alleged offense. It is important to note that all individuals, including Gurley, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
