A second suspect allegedly involved in an armed robbery earlier this month that left a local man with a fractured nose and several lacerations was arrested Wednesday afternoon.
Syd Price Swartz, 21, who lists a Riverside Drive address, was taken into custody just before 1 p.m. in the 100 block of Woodall Circle and charged with aggravated robbery, punishable by up to life in prison, and first-degree battery, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
He remained in custody Thursday on zero bond and is set to appear today in Garland County District Court. His alleged accomplice, Robert Arthur Blackstead, 52, was arrested Sept. 7 on the same charges and also remained in custody Thursday, with a hearing set for Oct. 9 to determine if his case will be bound over to Garland County Circuit Court.
According to the affidavit, on Sept. 1, around 2:30 a.m., the victim said he was at his residence on Briarmeadow Lane when he heard the doorbell ring and believed it was his aunt who had locked herself out.
When he opened the door, he noted two known suspects, identified as Blackstead and Swartz, were standing there. He said he was struck in the face by Blackstead with what appeared to be a black handgun.
He said he fell back into the living room and the two men entered. Blackstead allegedly said, "This is for your brother," and then struck him numerous times in the head and face. At one point, the victim said he felt what appeared to be the barrel of the gun against the back of his head.
After the two men left, the victim discovered his cellphone and $300 from his wallet were missing. The victim's father arrived a short time later and drove the victim to CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs where he was treated for multiple lacerations, a concussion and a fractured nose. A warrant was later issued for Blackstead and Swartz's arrest.
Local on 09/29/2017