Man found bound with zip ties, beaten in north Alabama town

Man found bound with zip ties, beaten in north Alabama town

An investigation is underway after a man was found bound and beaten in a north Alabama town.

Authorities received a 911 call just before 7 p.m. Thursday reporting that a man had been assaulted and tied up on Alabama Highway 75 inside the Ider town limits DeKalb County County.

When they arrived at the scene, the found the victim’s hands bound with zip ties. He had been seriously assaulted, said Ider police Chief Stephen Malone.

Ider officers freed the victim. They learned that his truck, a 1997 Ford F-150, had been stolen.

The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Malone said the suspect is not in custody.

DeKalb County sheriff’s deputies and Henagar police officers responded.

“Sheriff Nick Welden’s investigation team ultimately took over the crime scene and has some of the best investigators in the state,” Malone said, “so I have no doubt this case will be solved.”

“The public needs to understand that we believe this is an isolated incident, meaning we do not believe this is ongoing in our area,’’ Malone said. “If the public was in any type of danger, we would release that information immediately.”

“I ask everyone to just pray for the victim, these investigators, and our department,” Malone said, “because I can assure you, we all work tirelessly to protect our communities.”