DUGGER, Ind- Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a call Sunday about a theft and battery.

Police say that 18-year-old Willis R. Martindale III, of Dugger, was found injured on the side of a rural road at or about 10:00 p.m.

Officers arrested 18-year-old William E. Jeffrey, of Dugger, along with Kristine L. Nichols, and William C. Edmondson III, who are both 25 years old and both from Linton.

All are facing multiple felony drug, theft, and battery related charges.

Police say that Martindale suffered a broken nose, several bruises and lacerations to his face.  He told officers he was driven from Dugger to the area by the three people arrested and he was then strangled and beaten over the head multiple times with a handgun.  Martindale reported that the suspects stole $1000 in cash from him and a backpack valued at $790 before leaving him alongside the road.

Indiana Conservation Officers checked several houses in Greene, Sullivan, and Knox counties while trying to locate the vehicle and the three suspects.

Officers found the three at a residence in Bicknell.  Nearly $600 in cash and 4.3 ounces of marijuana divided into several individual bags were also recovered at the residence.