A Miami man was arrested May 11 after deputies say a heated argument with his ex-girlfriend spiraled into a violent confrontation that ended with her leaping from a moving car. Investigators say 24-year-old Charles W. Roberts III forced the woman into a vehicle, punched her, ripped off her jewelry and threatened to abandon her in Pembroke Pines. She managed to escape, flag down a witness and get a ride back to the area. Roberts was later taken into custody and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
What investigators say
According to deputies, the trouble started with an exchange of text messages that escalated when Roberts showed up unannounced at the victim’s home in a rental car. An arrest affidavit says he grabbed her cellphone during the argument, then drove off while she was partially inside the vehicle, dragging her along as she tried to get the phone back.
The affidavit states Roberts told the woman he would drive her to Pembroke Pines and leave her there. Instead, investigators say he headed to his own residence, where another fight broke out. There, Roberts allegedly ripped chains from her neck and punched her. The woman ultimately jumped from the vehicle and sought help from a bystander, who drove her back to the scene. The document says Roberts later spat at her before taking off, according to WSVN.
Charges and penalties
Roberts faces charges of kidnapping, strong-arm robbery and battery, all tied to what deputies describe as forcibly confining, assaulting and robbing the victim. Under Florida law, kidnapping is defined as confining or abducting another person against their will. Chapter 787 of the state code treats certain kidnapping offenses as first-degree felonies that can bring lengthy prison sentences depending on the circumstances, as outlined in the Florida Statutes.
In custody; case pending
Authorities say Roberts was taken into custody Monday and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. The arrest affidavit is serving as the foundation for the criminal case, which remains under investigation, according to reporting by WSVN. Court records are expected to show when prosecutors formally file charges and set an initial hearing date…