Charges expected soon in Rock the South beating, Cullman police say

Charges expected soon in Rock the South beating, Cullman police say

Cullman police said charges will be filed soon in the weekend assault at Rock the South music festival that sent a young man to the hospital.

“Thank you to all who have sent in pictures, videos and comments identifying those who are involved in the assault this weekend at Rock the South,’’ police posted on Facebook Monday morning.

“At this time, unless you are an eyewitness to the assault, we don’t need anymore information to move forward.”

“Investigators are working on the case and charges will be filed soon,’’ police said.

The incident happened Saturday night at the Cullman music festival.

Reid Watts, 18, was hospitalized with a concussion, a fractured nose, and other injuries.

Kaci Howard in a Sunday Facebook posted identified the victim as her son and shared video of the assault.

“PLEASE help me find the cowards who did this to my son tonight at Rock the South. There were several grown men (30s-40s) who jumped on him and beat him unconscious while his girlfriend stood there screaming and crying for help,” Howard stated.

“They continued beating him while he was on the ground until security finally got to them and got Reid and Katie out of there and to an ambulance. He has a fractured nose, concussion, stitches, knots the size of softballs on the back of his head. He never even saw it coming. They jumped on him out of nowhere because one of them said he spilled a drink on him. Reid didn’t even have a drink in his hand. Anyone who’s ever met Reid knows his personality. He never meets a stranger, he can literally get along with anyone. He is a good kid and he did not deserve this. PLEASE share and help me find who’s responsible.

Event organizers offered a $10,000 reward in the case, as well as lifetime tickets to the event.

Eyewitnesses are asked to contact the Cullman Police Department at 256-734-1434.