– Edgefield County Man Assaulted at Riverwalk in Augusta, Ga. –

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has announced that a suspect in the attack of Edgefield County resident Wesley Spires and his friend, Ashley Solesbee, has been identified.  According to Lt. Calvin Chew with the RCSO, who spoke with The Advertiser on Friday, May 10, Kevin Richardson has been named as one of the men who attacked the pair Friday night, May 3.  Richardson had not yet been captured when Lt. Chew spoke with The Advertiser, but Lt. Chew said every measure was being taken to secure his arrest.  Additionally, the RCSO has not yet identified the second man wanted in connection with this case, but Lt. Chew said, “I am confident we will identify the second suspect.”

Mr. Spires and Miss Solesbee were attacked last Friday night by two black males, each wielding some sort of pipe-like weapon (possibly metal pipes or baseball bats.)  The suspects’ intent, according to Lt. Chew’s comments to The Advertiser in our initial reporting of this crime, was to rob the pair.  The suspects stole the victims’ cell phones but were unable to get any money from the pair.

Mr. Spires remains at a local hospital where is condition is still reported as critical.  Miss Solesbee was treated for her injuries and has been released from the hospital.

A $10,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the suspects in this crime has been established by a private citizen who wishes to remain anonymous.  Accounts at several local banks have also been established to assist Mr. Spires and his family with his medical costs.  Donations can be made to Georgia Bank & Trust, Southern Bank & Trust,  First Citizens Bank, and SRP Federal Credit Union.

In addition, the Westside Fire Dept. and the Merriwether Fire Dept. will host a BBQ fund raiser to benefit Mr. Spires, June 1 at the Westside Community Center on Hwy 23 across from Antioch Baptist Church.  The cost is $9/plate with a choice of pulled pork or chicken and sides.  Tickets will be available beginning May 11 at the Jimmy Shea Memorial Fishing Rodeo.  Locations for ticket sales are still being designated, and The Advertiser will update the list of those locations as they are made available.Confirmed locations thus far are Pioneer Rental, The Edgefield Advertiser, and The Turkey Shoppe on Main.  Volunteers are being sought to help with the distribution of the plates.  For information on the fundraiser or volunteering, contact www.westsidetruckingllc@live.com.

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Update: Final Suspect Wanted in Spires/Solesbee Attack Captured