Leland man charged with kidnapping and assault

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — According to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Cary Efton Graham of Leland was arrested for the February 14 kidnapping and assault of a 26-year-old woman.

Sheriff James A. McVicker says Graham and the victim “had a domestic relationship” and that “Hunt [went to a location in Bladen Count]…kidnapped her at gunpoint. He took her to another location in Bladen County where he physically assaulted her, strangling her and repeatedly kicking her with heavy boots.”

The Sheriff said Hunt drove the victim to Brunswick County where she was able to escape, contact law enforcement, and get medical help.

According to the release, Graham was arrested Tuesday, March 1. He is being charged with First Degree Kidnapping, Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault by Strangulation, Battery of an Unborn Child, Assault on a Female, Assault by Pointing a Gun, and Communicating Threats.

Graham is being held in the Bladen County Jail without bond.

“We were assisted in this case by both Columbus County and Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office,” said McVicker. “Their help was invaluable in locating evidence, locating the suspect and getting him behind bars. This type of cooperation is typical of our offices who work with each other all the time.”