CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police charged 24-year-old Derek Antonio Smith after a woman says she was raped and robbed at gunpoint around 1 a.m. Thursday.
Officers responded to a welfare check on the 1600 block of North Wind Place when they spoke with the victim. She told officers that the man took her car and other personal items after physically and sexually assaulting her.
Police were able to locate the stolen vehicle on Statesville Avenue and attempted to pull Smith over. Officers were able to stop the car by using a tire deflation device.
Smith was taken into custody and interviewed by detectives. He was charged with three counts of 1st degree sexual offense, 1st degree rape, 1st degree burglary, 1st degree kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon, larceny of a motor vehicle, felony flee to elude and several traffic related charges.
Police are still investigating the case.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
