Fayetteville Couple Charged in Auto Theft

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A Cumberland County man and his girlfriend face charges in connection a car theft last week.

Albert Paul Gonzalez, 39, of 108 Carolina Inn, and Annburnice Faye Rice, 26, of 936 Raincloud Drive, Fayetteville are both charged with common law robbery in connection with last Wednesday's incident.

Investigators said Gonzalez asked the vehicle's owner to give him and Rice a ride and that when the owner refused, he allegedly struck her several times and forced her away from her vehicle, the sheriff's office said.

Gonzalez and Rice then got into the 1998 Ford Explorer, according to authorities, and as they drove away, the victim grabbed Gonzalez around his neck and shoulder to try to stop him from taking her SUV.

Gonzalez put the vehicle in gear, dragging the victim approximately 10 feet down U.S. Higyway 301, authorities said. The victim suffered minor injuries.