Officials: 3 arrested in connection to kidnapping, assault in North Carolina

MADISON COUNTY, N.C. — Three people were arrested in Madison County, N.C., in connection to a kidnapping and assault, officials say.

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In a news release, Madison County Sheriff Buddy Harwood said that on Sunday, deputies received a report about a person who showed up at a house saying they had been kidnapped.

Deputies arrived at the East Fork community where they found the victim with multiple cuts to their face, body and arms. The victim also had multiple crosses that appeared to be carved on their face and body.

The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment, authorities said.

Harwood also said that the victim had been tied with barbed wire to a chair and a beam inside a house, according to WPDE. The person’s mouth was taped shut and they were beaten with guns and crowbars.

Detectives and deputies searched the area and found a house they believed the victim was held, according to WPDE.

Detectives learned that the victim was “forcibly imprisoned” in the basement of the house, according to WPDE.

Harwood said three people were arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

Patrick Colby Banks, James Angel and Nicole Sawyer were all charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious bodily injury with intent to kill, first-degree kidnapping, and possession of a weapon of mass destruction, according to Harwood.

Banks was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The victim’s name has not been released.