Man's first words on new phone: "Help! They're trying to rob me!" | Crime

SALISBURY - It's a good thing that Chris Watson's brand new phone worked; his first call was a frantic dial up to 911.

According to Salisbury Police, Watson had come into a little cash and wanted to buy a new phone.  He was walking to Walmart on Thursday morning just before noon when he ran into two acquaintances, Sky Allison and Joshua Kirkley.

Watson told them where he was going and they went with him.  Watson bought the phone and had some cash leftover from the purchase.  He, Allison, and Kirkley left the store and walked up Arlington Street.

According to the police report, Allison then asked Watson if he would give her some money to buy a small amount of marijuana.  Watson refused, but Allison persisted and was joined by Kirkley in demanding Watson's money.  At this point Allison jumped on Watson's back and began to hit him in the head.  Kirkley also started hitting Watson.

Managing to keep his cool while being pummeled, Watson dialed 911 on the new phone.  When the dispatcher answered she heard heard Watson screaming.  A police officer who was in the area got the call and was at the scene within minutes.

Watson was rescued from his assailants, Allison and Kirkley were both charged with attempted common law robbery and put in the jail on $7500 bond.