By Stephen Woodward

Staff Writer

HARROGATE, Tenn. — A Harrogate man was recently assaulted and stripped of his personal belongings while taking a walk near his home.

Rudy Clark, 85, was assaulted and robbed on June 19 while taking his daily walk near his home in Harrogate, according to a press release from the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office. Clark is a retired businessman and is well-known in Claiborne County. Money, credit cards, a check book and identification were taken from him at the time of the assault. The assailant fled on foot, leaving Clark injured.

The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, led by Lt. John Collins, began an investigation immediately. On Wednesday, officers tracked down Robert Lee Gambrel Jr., 37, of Harrogate in an undisclosed location. When caught, Gambrel tried to convince officers he was not the Robert Lee Gambrel Jr. they were looking for.

Gambrel was taken into custody and transported to the Claiborne County Jail and charged with aggravated robbery and criminal impersonation. Gambrel was arraigned before the Criminal Sessions Judge Robert Estep where a bond was set at $100,000. Gambrel remains in jail awaiting a court date set for July 2.

“This investigation is not over by any means,” said Claiborne County Sheriff David Ray, “there are other persons of interest that are involved in this case that we will continue to locate as this investigation continues. Rudy is a personal friend and a friend of the community. Everyone is happy that he survived this assault with minor injuries.”

Anyone with any information concerning this case or any criminal activity should contact the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 626-3385.

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.