Man accused of hitting teen in face with shovel at Freeman Park

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A Jacksonville man is in the New Hanover County jail accused of hitting a teen in the face with a shovel.

Just before 10:00 p.m. Saturday, Carolina Beach police responded to Freeman Park for a fight.

According to the arrest report, officers spotted a jeep leaving the area. Inside the jeep was a 13-year-old and his father, who were on the way to the hospital.

The teen had a large cut above his left eye and another on his forehead. The report states both needed stitches, so EMS took the victim and his mother to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

A witness told officers a man was seen going into the dunes after the assault. The man, later identified as Garland Frazier, 42, was spotted walking on the beach.

Police say there were a strong odor of alcohol on Frazier and he was unsteady on his feet.

Frazier stated to police he arrived at the beach to meet a buddy who never showed up. The victim and witnesses had told police the suspect’s first name was Garland and resembled Larry the Cable Guy.

Police took Frazier to the entrance of Freeman Park, where the father of the victim identified Frazier as the suspect.

An officer took a flat head shovel from the campsite as evidence.

Police charged Frazier with Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury.

A magistrate placed Frazier under a $175,000 bond.