Kidnapped SC woman asks stranger to get help at I-20 rest stop, Georgia cops say

Miami Herald

20-05-2025

A suspected kidnapping came to light in an unusual way, when the victim was given a bathroom break and she risked asking a passerby at the rest stop to call 911, Georgia investigators say.
It happened around 8:50 a.m. Saturday, May 17, in Morgan County, Georgia, and that 911 call set off a multi-county pursuit, according to the Covington Police Department in Georgia.
The woman had been abducted earlier that day from her home in South Carolina, officials said.
'An adult female approached an individual at the rest stop on Interstate 20 in Morgan County stating that she had been kidnapped and asked the individual to call 911,' Covington police said in May 19 news release.
'The individual was able to contact 911 and give a description of the vehicle and the female victim. Officers began patrolling Interstate 20 (and) observed the vehicle traveling west on Interstate 20.'
A traffic stop was initiated, but the vehicle stopped only briefly, revealing 'the victim still inside,' police said.
'Officers began a vehicle pursuit on Interstate 20 westbound. The vehicle subsequently stopped in Rockdale County after a successful PIT maneuver (Precision Immobilization Technique) by the Newton County Sheriff's Office,' Covington police said.
'The suspect, Charles Davis, attempted to flee on foot but was tased and quickly apprehended. The victim was unharmed and was safely recovered.'
Investigators say the ordeal began when Davis forced his way into the victim's home and took her against her will.
A motive has not been released, and investigators have not said where Davis was headed when the vehicle was stopped.
Jail records show he lives in Batesburg, South Carolina, about a 35-mile drive southwest from Columbia. The location of the victim's home was not released.
Davis has been charged with:
Felony kidnappingFelony false imprisonmentMisdemeanor reckless drivingFelony fleeing or attempting to elude a police officerMisdemeanor willful obstruction of law enforcement
Additional charges are expected in South Carolina, Covington police said.