Man beaten, robbed in central Columbia

COLUMBIA — A 20-year-old Columbia man was beaten and robbed near the intersection of Hickman and Washington avenues at 1:10 a.m. Wednesday, a Columbia Police Department news release said.

The release said:

The man said he walked by three males in their 20s in the area of Rogers and Fifth streets. He said the men started following him.

Alarmed, the victim called a relative to inform them of his location.

Near the intersection of Hickman and Washington avenues, the group of men attacked the victim with fists and sticks, taking cash and a cell phone.

The attackers then fled towards Douglass Park.

The first suspect was described as a 6-foot-tall, 160-pound black male with cornrows, wearing an orange and white shirt with plaid shorts.

The second suspect was described as a 5-foot, 8-inch-tall, 160-pound black male wearing denim shorts and a blue shirt with a white design on the front.

The third suspect was only described as wearing a white t-shirt.

Anyone with information should submit tips on the CrimeStoppers Web site, 875tips.com.