Kidnapping suspect accused of shooting at officers, leading chase taken into custody

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — A driver wanted in connection with leading deputies on a chase and then shooting at officers has been taken into custody.

The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office said Teddie Lee Robbins held his wife hostage at gunpoint for hours.

Investigators told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty that they had been looking for Robbins since Sunday night. They said he led deputies on a chase along Highway 321 and then jumped out of his vehicle.

Authorities said at one point, he fired at deputies. Fortunately, no one was struck.

Deputies in Caldwell County posted photos of Robbins Monday morning after searching for hours overnight just east of Hudson.

Faherty could see deputies from Caldwell County and police from both Lenoir and Hudson out searching Monday morning after someone reported spotting Robbins along Marley Place. Law enforcement officers weren’t taking any chances as they headed out into a wooded area behind some homes to search the area.

Deputies said Robbins is wanted for kidnapping and several other crimes. Robbins’ wife told Faherty by phone that her husband assaulted her and pointed a gun at her on several occasions, preventing her from leaving their home.

On Tuesday, jail records showed Robbins had been arrested by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office. They confirmed he was taken into custody around 3 a.m.

A number of neighbors in that area said they hoped Robbins would give himself up because they were concerned for their safety and for the officers.

“It’s crazy, there’s people losing their minds these days. I think they need to get some help, you know?” neighbor Mike Gragg said. “Certainly running from the law is not the right thing to do, or shooting at the law is not the right thing to do.”

People like Robert Dawson, who live near the search area, said they aren’t taking any chances. He showed Faherty his 9 mm handgun that he doesn’t go anywhere without.

“People have to protect themselves to be safe,” he said. “Since I’ve heard about it, I’m aware of it. If I do see him, I will let them know. I want them to catch him. We don’t need this problem in our community.”

Robbins was charged with one Count of second-degree kidnapping, one count of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of fleeing to elude arrest. He was given a $1.1 million bond and is in the Caldwell County jail.

(WATCH BELOW: 4-month manhunt ends with couple arrested, accused of child abuse, CMPD says)

4-month manhunt ends with couple arrested, accused of child abuse, CMPD says

©2023 Cox Media Group