Police make second arrest in Bessemer City assaults case

BESSEMER CITY, NC (WBTV) - Bessemer City Police have arrested a second man wanted in a string of robberies and assaults.

They had a major break Tuesday with an arrest in Bessemer City and police said they arrested the second man in Gastonia Wednesday morning.

A man who was robbed and beaten said he's thankful for the police work done so far.

Bessemer City folks have been on high alert for the last couple of weeks. Gary Helton's face shows why.

"It's still swollen right here, teeth on that side don't have any feeling. It's hard to chew," said Helton, "It was just pure torture.  I mean this guy was like he was insane."

Two Fridays ago Helton was going to work when someone robbed him outside of his home and then beat him when Helton wouldn't allow him in his house to get more.

"If it'd been somebody they've been married to or loved for 30 something years you know,  you can't let anybody in the house," said Helton.

Helton's wife wasn't physically hurt, but Helton said she and most of Bessemer City were shaken up from his assault and then one more two days later.

"Maybe if we get one guy off the street maybe the rest of them will stay away," said Helton.

Bessemer City Police have been working on four cases of armed robbery. And then Monday, there was another burglary and police chased two men.

They caught up with Donnovan Huskey at the Northgate Apartments Tuesday morning. And they arrested Martavious Adams Wednesday morning in Gastonia.  Huskey made his first appearance in court and is facing breaking and entering and 2nd degree murder charges.

Helton said he hasn't spoken to police since the arrest but he's ready to help them.

"I'll never forget him," said Helton.

The chief said Tuesday he believed Huskey is the man that pistol-whipped Helton.  If he is, Helton said he's thankful. "Best Thanksgiving is this guy's in custody," he said.

Huskey is in the Gaston County Jail on bond for $150,000.

The Bessemer City Police chief said Adams is in the Gaston County Jail on a 2nd degree burglary charge. The chief said based on their investigation many of these cases are linked.  And he expects more charges to be filed against Huskey and Adams.

Chief Ellis also said at this point no one will be awarded the $5,000 the department was offering for tips that would lead to the suspects.

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