ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Police Department thank the community for their assistance in the arrest of Harold D Rogers Jr., 60, a suspect in an Asheville kidnapping and attempted robbery.
According to APD, around 5:03 p.m., Thursday, July 9, officers responded to a robbery in progress at a Broadway Street business in downtown Asheville.
Prior to their arrival, APD officers had learned that an employee of the business had been assaulted. When they arrived, the suspect, later identified as Rogers, had already fled.
Subsequent investigation revealed through security camera footage that the suspect had entered the store, looked around, changed store signage to “closed” and locked the door. Rogers then “forced a female employee to the rear of the business, assaulted her and tied her up,” APD said.
Shortly thereafter, the brother of the victim and a bystander kicked down the front door and chased Rogers through the back door, where after a brief struggle, Rogers dropped most of the items stolen from the store and fled on foot.
Moments later, APD officers arrived and learned that a delivery truck had been stolen in the vicinity. With the help of the owner of the truck, which was equipped with cameras and GPS, the vehicle was located on Mountain Street in the aftermath of a collision. APD officers and detectives searched the area, where witnesses were able to guide them toward an apartment complex where Rogers was found.
The suspect surrendered without further incident.
“The Asheville Police Department would like to thank the many community members who provided timely and valuable information,” APD said in a press release.
Charges for Harold D Rogers Jr.
Rogers was charged with:
- Felony first degree kidnapping
- Felony robbery with a dangerous weapon
- Misdemeanor assault on a female
The suspect was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under no bond.
“The investigation continues with more charges anticipated,” APD said. “If you have any information about this incident, please contact APD at (828) 252-1110. You can also send an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.”
