Morganton Man Charged with Kidnapping, Felonious Assault

MORGANTON -- Morganton Man Arrested for Kidnapping, Felonious Assault

Morganton Department of Safety Crime Release

Morganton Man Arrested for Kidnapping, Felonious Assault

Morganton Public Safety Officers responded to check the welfare of a woman at an address on Patton Street 08/01/2018-at 131am. Family of the woman contacted public safety, concerned about (not) hearing from the woman for several days and believed (she) was being held against her will.

When officers arrived at the address, interior lights were on and people could be seen moving around inside. Officers knocked and announced several times, but no one would come to the door.

A perimeter around the residence was established as officers attempted to gather more information and formulate a plan.

A few minutes later, officers heard screams for help coming from the residence. Officers forced entry into the home based on exigent circumstances and searched the main floor. On the second floor of the residence, officers discovered an adult female with apparent injuries, a juvenile child and two other adults.

The suspect, Donald Silvester Cunningham, Jr. DOB 08/15/1986 of 104 Patton Street, was found in the basement, hiding behind a shelf.

Interviews confirmed that the victim was being held against her will and is known to the suspect. The relationship status is not being disclosed.

The victim was transported to CHS Morganton for treatment.

Cunningham is charged with the following offenses:

-Felony Assault by Strangulation

-Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury

-Felony Kidnapping

-Felony Assault Inflicting Serious Injury

-Misdemeanor Assault Inflicting Serious Injury with a Juvenile Present

-Misdemeanor Resist, Obstruct and Delay Public Officer

Cunningham is being held in Burke Catawba DCF with no bond.

*Editor's Note: A criminal charge in an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.