Chavas Rhodes, a 30-year-old South Carolina man, has been arrested and charged with a series of crimes, including burglary, kidnapping, animal cruelty, and unlawful conduct toward a child after a violent incident involving his children and their pet. The events unfolded early on Tuesday, June 30, in North Charleston.
The Disturbing Incident
Around 12:30 a.m., Rhodes allegedly entered the apartment where his children and their mother lived. According to the North Charleston Police Department, he was not invited into the apartment and entered through an unlocked door while the mother was outside in the parking lot.
One of the children reported that Rhodes yelled, “All of you are going to die tonight” upon entering the apartment. Two of the children fled to a bedroom and hid under the bed, while the family dog, a chihuahua rat-terrier mix named Logan, started barking at Rhodes. In a shocking act of cruelty, Rhodes allegedly shot the dog dead, further terrifying his children.
The Kidnapping and Threats
Rhodes then entered the bedroom where the two children were hiding and ordered them to leave with him. In the chaos, one of the children managed to escape the apartment and ran for help. According to police reports, Rhodes covered the children’s heads with a blanket, but one of the children saw the lifeless body of their dog, Logan, and began crying. The child refused to go with Rhodes, but the situation continued to escalate.
Rhodes allegedly became irritated, telling the children to get into a closet, and warned them that if they contacted anyone, he would harm them. One of the children managed to call their mother, who immediately rushed to the apartment. Upon her arrival, Rhodes reportedly pointed a gun at her and then jumped off a balcony to flee the scene.
Arrest and Charges
Responding officers located and arrested Rhodes shortly after the incident. They found the gun used in the crime in nearby bushes. Rhodes appeared to be intoxicated, according to the affidavit.
Rhodes has been charged with burglary, kidnapping, animal cruelty, and unlawful conduct toward a child. The mother of the children, who are all under the age of 10, has a domestic violence injunction against Rhodes, which had been issued prior to this incident. A victim’s advocate told a judge that the victim and her children are “deathly terrified” of Rhodes.
Family’s Pain and Rhodes’ Incarceration
The children’s mother and the family are understandably devastated by the traumatic events. Rhodes is currently being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center without bond. The situation remains under investigation, and authorities are working to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved.
The shocking and violent actions of Chavas Rhodes have left a family shaken and in fear for their lives. The tragic death of the family dog, Logan, and the terror inflicted upon his young children have led to multiple serious charges. Rhodes is facing justice for his alleged actions, and the community and authorities are working to ensure that such a violent situation is addressed with the full force of the law.
