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DUNMORE — State police at Dunmore are searching for Robert Gerald Helbing Jr., 36, of Scranton, who is charged with kidnapping and beating a man near Bear Lake Road in Thornhurst Township earlier this year.
An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for Helbing charging him with kidnapping, robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault and five counts of criminal conspiracy.
State police allege Helbing, of 328 South Ninth Avenue, agreed to give Harry Lee Briam a ride from Scranton to Lock Haven in exchange for $50 on Feb. 28. Helbing and two men in his vehicle picked up Briam near the Glider Diner in Scranton.
Helbing told Briam he had to drop off the two men at a different location before driving to Lock Haven. As Helbing drove near Thornhurst Country Club Estates, Briam was assaulted by Helbing and two men in the car, according to the criminal complaint.
State police said Briam’s wallet, cell phone and a backpack were stolen during the assault.
Briam was treated and released from Geisinger – Community Medical Center in Scranton.