Police: Man leaving Ocean Springs country club assaulted by 3 men

OCEAN SPRINGS -- A man's assault over an alleged debt was videotaped by one of the men accused in the attack on him, police Capt. William Jackson said.

The Jan. 3 attack led to a charge of strong-arm robbery and the arrests of Ocean Springs residents Robert Cooley, 21, of Briarwood Drive; LaDarrion Payton, 19, of Cumberland Road; and DeMarco Ward, 18, of Spruce Street.

A juvenile, arrested on the same charge, was turned over to Jackson County Youth Court, Jackson said Thursday.

The men claim the victim owed one of them money, Jackson said.

"It was one of the adults who filmed it, but they all assaulted the man, including the juvenile," Jackson said.

Police learned about the assault after being called to an Ocean Springs home.

The wounded man said he was playing tennis at Treasure Oaks Country Club when several men "flagged" him down, Jackson said. The man told police one of them hit him, knocking him down, and they all punched and kicked him as he lay on the ground.

Investigators believe they then stole his wallet, car speakers and amplifier from his vehicle.

The wounded man was taken by ambulance to Ocean Springs Hospital with injuries to his upper body and head, and was treated and released.

Cooley, Payton and Ward were booked at the Ocean Springs Police Department and released on bonds of $15,000 each.

This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 3:50 PM with the headline "Police: Man leaving Ocean Springs country club assaulted by 3 men ."