Rodney Helton
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — There is a massive police presence in Mount Holly as law enforcement is attempting to capture a suspect.
According to first responders, the call came in around 1:02 p.m. that a suspect on probation had kidnapped a woman. The victim was with a laceration to her throat. No word on her condition at this time.
The initial address for the call was 127 Family Lane, since then the search parameter has ballooned over five miles.
Witnesses who live in the community near the search area say police set up a parameter along Kelly Road and Hickory Grove.
The Stanley Police Department is also currently conducting an active manhunt in the Creek Walk and surrounding areas.
People in those areas are being advised to stay in their homes.
Highway Patrol identified the suspect at Rodney Helton, 21, of Mount Holly. Gaston County records show a long history of arrests for Helton including three arrests last year — notably felony larceny, breaking and entering.
Police are actively searching the area for Helton. He has short brown hair and was last seen wearing a grey shirt and camouflage shorts — Police say he should be considered armed and dangerous.
