Local Bar Employee Severely Beaten, Search Continues for 3 Men

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Detectives are searching for three men who are wanted in connection with the brutal beating of a local bar employee.

Robert Matthews, 25, was working the door of the FUBAR located at 2350 Lillington Highway, Spring Lake, near Fort Bragg's back gate, when he was repeatedly beaten along the back of his head with a pool stick, rendering him unconscious. His assailants continued to punch and kick him as he lay on the floor, unable to help himself according to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation determined that on Thursday, January 14, 2013 five men entered the FUBAR acting rowdy and had believed to have been drinking.  When Matthews approached Travis Jake Cockman, 41, of 3291 South River Road, Lillington about him attempting to steal pool balls from a pool table, he ignored Matthews and walked back to the tables.  Moments later, the attack began.

Warrants have been issued for the arrest of Cockman on attempted first degree murder charges.  His accomplices, Benny Joe Ray, 46, of 3291 South River Road, Lillington and Mark Anthony Wood, Jr., 28,  of 141 Capitol Hill Road, Lillington are also being sought on charges of being accessories after the fact.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of these men are urged to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 323-1500.