The Baldwin County Major Crimes Task Force arrested a “person of interest” Friday in connection with the brutal assault of Spanish Fort businessman Bobby Wilson.

According to Maj. Anthony Lowery, spokesman for the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department, the Task Force executed a search warrant at 32698 A Buzbee Road in Spanish Fort at approximately 6:40 a.m. on Sept. 21.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for 24-year-old Leslie Eric Buzbee's residence and the out buildings that are located on his property, a news release said.

While conducting the search warrant investigators found a crack pipe in Buzbee's home. He was later taken into custody and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Buzbee posted bond the same day and was released from jail, Lowery said.

Investigators were at the site of the trailer and outbuildings Friday afternoon collecting data. “We are stopping short of calling him a suspect at this point, but that could change at any time,” Lowery said Friday.

Lowery said Tuesday morning Buzbee was “absolutely” still considered a person of interest.

“The search warrant has been concluded, but the investigation is moving forward,” Lowery said.

Lowery said he could comment no further due to the ongoing investigation.

Spanish Fort Police Officer Steve McGough was on the scene Friday afternoon. He said he has known Wilson for about 30 years. Wilson was McGough’s baseball coach while McGough was growing up. He described Wilson as a charitable businessman who worked hard for the money he makes.

Spanish Fort Police Chief David Edgar said Monday night evidence collected at Buzbee’s residence was still being processed and they were following up on leads. Edgar said cases like the Wilson attack are “few and far between” and Buzbee would still “remain a person of interest until we go forward.”

Edgar said the last seven weeks have not been normal.“I am looking forward to normalcy,” he said.

A police officer who frequents the gas station found Wilson savagely beaten and unconscious on Aug. 11. Reports indicate Wilson’s condition has improved. The Task Force was developed in response to the brutal attack, and friends of Wilson established a $32,000 reward for any information regarding the assault.

Anyone with information regarding the brutal attack of Bobby Wilson is asked to call the anonymous tip lines established by local and county investigators.

Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department: 251-990-4673

Spanish Fort Police Department: 251-621-9100