Veterinary clinic employee abducted by gunman in N.C.

A 54-year-old man robbed Freedom Animal Hospital in northwest Charlotte, N.C., at gunpoint July 19, according to investigators with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

The suspect, whom detectives have identified as Robert Jolly Rhinehardt, then kidnapped an employee, forced the staff member into a clinic vehicle and fled the scene.

According to police, Rhinehardt drove the victim to an ATM and attempted to force her to pull funds from her bank account but then released the employee unharmed.

Rhinehardt was arrested on July 25 and charged with three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and three counts of second-degree kidnapping.