No new leads have developed for the Columbus Police Department in their pursuit of Kenneth Macon, who is considered as a person of interest in an attack and robbery on Monday that sent a Columbus couple to the hospital.
According to CPD Public Information Officer Terrie Songer, the owners of the 903 11th Ave. S. residence — Jessie and Mary Gardner — walked in and noticed the back door was open and the screen door had been cut.
The victims began looking around the home to see if anything was missing. One of the victims opened a closet door and a black male was inside.
The suspect stabbed both victims and hit them with a claw hammer. They were transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, where both remained in critical but stable condition today, according to a hospital spokesperson.
The suspect left the area in the victim”s vehicle, a white Ford F-150 pickup, which police located at Bell Avenue and 17th Street South. Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the investigation.
“The Columbus Police Department has named Kenneth Macon as a person of interest in this incident,” Songer said.
The incident was similar to one last week, in which Macon is suspected.
In that case, a Columbus woman returned to her 613 16th Ave. S. home Thursday night — a few blocks away from today”s incident — and found Macon inside, police said.
“Macon got a knife and tried to attack the victim and then stole her purse with money and contents,” Songer said in a release.
CPD describes Macon, 28, as 5 feet 9 inches tall and 158 pounds. He has a tattoo on the right side of his neck with the word “Rose,” according to Songer.
Macon has been housed at the Walnut Grove Transitional Center in the Walnut Grove community in the southern part of Leake County since last November.
According to Songer, Macon was being held on charges of violation of probation and possession of cocaine.
Macon was granted a 48-hour pass by the MDOC and when he did not return, authorities issued a warrant for his arrest.
Wilcher said probationers can get a 48-hour pass every 30 days as long as they have someone who can provide transportation to bring them back.
Songer said Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward to a citizen who provides information leading to Macon”s arrest.
Songer said the department also would be receptive to Macon turning himself in.
“He can call us at the Crime Stoppers number, which is 1-800-530-7151 (to turn himself in),” she said.
Call in a Tip
- Columbus Police Investigator Terry Dentry, 662-364-1658
- Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers, 1-800-530-7151
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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