North Charleston, South Carolina – A South Carolina man, Chavas Rhodes, 30, is facing multiple charges after allegedly threatening his children and shooting the family’s chihuahua to death.
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the 6500 block of Dorchester Road in North Charleston.
The Disturbing Incident
According to the North Charleston Police Department, Rhodes entered his children’s apartment uninvited while their mother was outside in the parking lot.
One of the children stated that Rhodes walked through an unlocked door and screamed, “All of you are going to die tonight.” In a state of panic, two of the children ran into a bedroom and hid under the bed.
The family dog, a chihuahua rat-terrier mix named Logan, began barking at Rhodes, who responded by shooting and killing the pet.
Rhodes then ordered the two children to leave the apartment with him. However, one child managed to escape the apartment and ran for help.
Rhodes, seemingly enraged, placed a blanket over the two children’s heads but was met with a distressing scene when one child saw the lifeless body of the dog. “She dropped to the ground crying and saying she was not going with the suspect,” the affidavit states.
Threats and Escalation
Rhodes reportedly became more agitated and threatened the children, telling them to get into the closet, warning that if they called anyone, he would harm them.
One child then called their mother, who rushed back to the apartment. Upon her arrival, Rhodes allegedly pointed a gun at her before leaping off a balcony and fleeing the scene.
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The Arrest and Charges
Police later located Rhodes nearby, arrested him, and recovered the gun he used, which was found in bushes. Authorities noted that Rhodes appeared to be intoxicated at the time of his arrest.
Rhodes is now facing charges of burglary, kidnapping, animal cruelty, and unlawful conduct towards a child.
The children, all under the age of 10, are reportedly terrified of Rhodes, who also has a domestic violence injunction against him filed by their mother. Rhodes is currently held without bond at the Al Cannon Detention Center.
Community Impact
The shocking events have left the children and their mother in fear for their safety, and the community has rallied in support of the family. A victim’s advocate told the judge, “The victim and her minor children are deathly terrified of Mr. Rhodes.”
This case highlights the seriousness of domestic violence and its potential to escalate in harmful ways. Law enforcement continues to investigate and provide support to the victims.
What are your thoughts on the growing issue of domestic violence and its impact on families? Share your thoughts in the comments below. For more updates on this case and others, visit ridgecrestpact.org.
