A North Charleston man has been arrested after police said he kidnapped and severely assaulted a woman at an apartment complex on Ladson Road early Thursday morning.
Woman Rescued After Alleged Assault
According to the North Charleston Police Department, officers responded to MMA Commerce Park Apartments after receiving multiple reports of a woman screaming for help. Dispatchers also received reports of gunshots in the area.
When officers arrived, they encountered 29-year-old Torres Malik Gathers, who allegedly fled the scene. After a brief foot chase, officers took him into custody.
Victim Suffered Serious Injuries
Police said the victim was found with severe visible injuries and was treated by emergency responders before being transported to a local medical centre.
Investigators determined that a verbal argument between Gathers and the woman escalated into a physical altercation inside an apartment. Police said Gathers refused to let the victim leave as the situation became more violent.
Suspect Faces Kidnapping Charge
According to investigators, the victim managed to escape but Gathers allegedly tried to force her back into the apartment and continued assaulting her. She was able to get away again shortly before officers arrived.
Gathers was arrested and charged with kidnapping and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. He was booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center.
