Suspect faces judge on alleged armed robbery in Troup County

Published 12:00 am Friday, September 18, 2015

By Melanie Ruberti

mruberti@civitasmedia.com

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LaGRANGE — One of the men accused in a bizarre armed robbery and aggravated battery case at a home in Troup County made his first appearance Thursday morning in Magistrate Court.

Aaron Creed, 29, listened as Troup County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Jorge Olmo-Novoa told the court details of an alleged robbery gone horribly wrong. Olmo-Novoa said two alleged victims went to a residence in the first block of Yarbrough Drive in the early morning of Aug. 25 to sell Creed some tools and speakers.

According to the victims, they and Creed got into an argument over the price of the items.

Olmo-Novoa testified that one victim told him Eddie Charles Johnson Jr., the second suspect in the case who has yet to be located, showed up around that time outside the residence and seemed “under the influence of something.” The investigator said the situation escalated and Johnson allegedly produced a gun and began hitting one victim with it, eventually breaking his jaw and causing numerous lacerations to his face.

The other victim told investigators he and the beating victim ran off toward the woods, but the uninjured victim eventually went back toward the home.

The investigator then testified Creed approached the man with a machete in his hands and demanded that he give him one of the stolen items, which was a radio. Olmo-Novoa said when deputies executed a search warrant on Creed’s home they found that same radio in his possession.

The investigator also revealed that the man who was allegedly beaten was being held in the Troup County Jail.

After hearing the testimony, Creed’s lawyer argued there was insufficient evidence showing the 29 year old took part in beating or threatening either victim.

Presiding Judge Vicki Sue McWaters agreed and dismissed the charge of aggravated battery.

Creed was still held on bond for the charge of armed robbery. His case was bound over to Superior Court.

Melanie Ruberti is a reporter at LaGrange Daily News. She may be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2156.