Bertie County, NC — A woman’s bravery and quick actions helped aid in her rescue after being kidnapped at knifepoint on Saturday, May 26.
Officials with the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office say Bertie County 911 received a third-party call regarding a female that was forced from her home by a man with a knife in the Pine Street area of Lewiston.
Deputies say while responding to the area, 911 dispatch began receiving text messages from the victim that confirmed she was being held against her will by the man accused.
Authorities say due to the victim’s bravery and quick thinking by using the recent TEXT-911 technology she was able to provide essential information needed for a fast and safe rescue.
Once deputies arrived, they confirmed the suspect had locked himself and the victim in a bedroom of the home and was holding the victim at knifepoint.
Tomya Lee Shields,46 of Lewiston was arrested by deputies after they breached the door.
Shields was charged with second degree kidnapping, communicating threats, assault on a female and false imprisonment.
The woman was not harmed, according to authorities.