Coweta County detectives say a masked gunman went into a secluded wooded area near Newnan and robbed an armed deer hunter.
Police say that last Sunday, Eric Sumner had just finished hunting deer for the day on a secluded 30-acre piece of land off Poplar Road in Newnan when he sensed an intruder.
"I didn't see him until he got, you know, close to that telephone pole. And that's where he pulled out his gun, took a few quick steps and closed the distance," said Sumner.
Sumner had a rifle and a bow within reach in his truck, but he followed the masked gunman's instructions and handed over his keys, wallet, cellphone and -- the thing that meant most to him -- his rifle.
"This particular rifle came from a mentor and really a father figure to me. His name was Robert Brewer. He took me under his wing at about age 11 and taught me everything I know about the outdoors. He taught me how to hunt and how to fish," Sumner said.
Brewer did it all from a wheelchair. Sumner says Brewer was twice the man than the coward who robbed him.
Brewer passed away about a month ago.
"Just a really irreplaceable, precious possession that I hope dearly to recover," said Sumner.
Sumner says the gunman disappeared into the woods after the robbery.
The Coweta County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's help in finding him.
Sumner hopes a $500 reward will help bring it back.
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Eric Sumner says he was robbed by a masked gunman after deer hunting.
