GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A man is in jail under a $1 million bond, accused in a string of violent crimes across Gaston and Cleveland counties.
Police said the most recent was Wednesday, when he kidnapped a woman and her 2-year-old son at gunpoint.
Investigators said the woman's family didn't see a gun, but they believed that Rashawn Dukes had one, and they believe that he took the woman and her 2-year-old son by force.
Their call for help led investigators to a Gastonia motel.
Relatives said Dukes dated the victim.
Sheriff's investigators said he forced his way into her home near Kings Mountain.
The woman cried as Dukes pushed her 2-year-old son into a taxi, authorities said.
Other family members who witnessed the incident called 911, and dispatchers gave a warning.
“He is going to be armed and has made threats against law enforcement," the dispatcher said.
Police found the cab. The driver, who was unaware of the kidnapping, told police that they were at the Budget Inn in Gastonia.
Officers said Dukes raped the woman with her 2-year-old son in the room.
The victim wept when authorities arrived and arrested Dukes without incident.
Jennifer Millard said she understands the fear that the woman felt.
"I'm happy. I'm glad he is off the streets,” she said.
Dukes is wanted for aiming a gun at Millard in Shelby two weeks ago. She said her nephew hit the gun as Dukes fired.
"He had no heart. He had no care. He didn't care who he hurt that night," Millard said.
Shelby police said Dukes shot her nephew in the back.
"He flipped me over and was going to shoot me in the head, but he had no more bullets,” Nelson Millard said.
Dukes is in jail on a $1.1 million bond on eight charges from Shelby and Gastonia.
Cleveland County detectives said they are wrapping up their investigation.
They expect to charge Dukes with kidnapping.
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