Three sought in beating of bouncer at Spring Lake bar

Robert Matthews, 25, was working the door of FUBAR, at 2350 Lillington Highway, on Jan. 14 when he was repeatedly hit on the back of his head with a pool cue, authorities said. His assailants continued to punch and kick him as he lay on the floor unconscious.

Arrest warrants have been issued charging Travis Jake Cockman, 41, of 3291 South River Road in Lillington, with attempted first-degree murder and charging Benny Joe Ray, 46, also of 3291 South River Road, and Mark Anthony Wood Jr., 28, of 141 Capitol Hill Road in Lillington, with being accessories after the fact.

Investigators determined that five men were acting rowdy in FUBAR, and Matthews approached Cockman to warn him against trying to steal pool balls from a pool table. Cockman ignored Matthews and walked back to the pool tables inside, and the attack began moments later, authorities said.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Cockman, Ray or Wood is asked to call the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at 910-323-1500.