Judge Denies Bond for Man Accused of Choking Dog, Threatening Children at Gunpoint

In North Charleston, South Carolina, a man is facing 11 charges following a horrifying ordeal involving his children and their family dog. Chavas Rhodes, 30, was denied bond for three of the most serious charges: burglary, kidnapping, and domestic violence. According to police, Rhodes stormed into an apartment armed with a stolen gun, shouted death threats at his children, and fatally shot their dog when it barked at him.

Officials say Rhodes then attempted to force two of his children to leave with him. One managed to escape and seek help from neighbors. The remaining children hid under a bed, terrified, until Rhodes found them, covered their heads with a blanket, and began leading them out. One child broke down upon seeing their dog and refused to go with him. Rhodes then forced them into a closet and warned them not to call for help.

Their mother arrived shortly after one child was able to contact her. Rhodes allegedly pointed his weapon at her before fleeing through the back of the apartment. He was later apprehended by local authorities with the help of a K-9 unit.

Judge Amanda Haselden, after hearing the disturbing details and Rhodes’ history of repeated domestic violence, said he posed a grave danger to both the community and his children. She set bond at $360,000 for the remaining charges, including multiple firearm violations and animal cruelty.

“This is your fourth domestic violence incident. Your children were hiding in fear,” Judge Haselden said. “You are an absolute danger.”

Rhodes is currently being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center as the investigation continues.