SOUTH CAROLINA — A Florence man was arrested after allegedly assaulting his mother and holding his three children hostage, according to warrants from the Florence Police Department.
Police said Tavaris Xavier Burks was charged with four counts of kidnapping and assault of a high and aggravated nature. Officers responded to a residence on Heatherwood Circle just before midnight Friday following a report of a kidnapping.
According to arrest warrants, the victim told police that Burks assaulted her earlier in the day after she refused to give him money. The assault allegedly left her with a fractured nose and swollen eyes.
Authorities said Burks later locked his mother and his three young children, who were in her custody, inside a bedroom and held them against their will for several hours.
Police said Burks eventually demanded that his mother drive him to a gas station. Once Burks entered the store, the victim fled with the children and contacted police.
The victim was treated for her injuries, and Burks was arrested shortly afterward. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
