Welfare check at Hawkinsville hotel leads to kidnapping arrest

Thomas Matthew Black faces kidnapping, false imprisonment, family violence and obstruction charges after the Thursday night response.

1 hour ago

Tucker Sargent,

HAWKINSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A welfare check at a Hawkinsville hotel led to the safe removal of a victim and the arrest of a man on kidnapping, false imprisonment and other charges, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.

In a social media post on Monday, deputies said they responded to the hotel Thursday night after receiving a request to check on someone believed to be in danger.

The sheriff’s office hasn’t confirmed the name of the hotel, but images shared on the sheriff’s office page appear to show it happened at Loyalty Inn on Warren Street.

The sheriff’s office said deputies received no response when they tried to contact the occupants of the room. Investigators learned Thomas Matthew Black was inside with the victim and believed the situation could be dangerous.

Deputies established a perimeter, evacuated nearby rooms and obtained a search warrant. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office SRT/SWAT Team and Bleckley County Sheriff’s Office were called to assist.

After repeated unsuccessful attempts to have the occupants leave voluntarily, officers entered the room. The victim was safely removed and evaluated by Heartland EMS, deputies said.

The sheriff’s office said Black was taken into custody after a brief struggle and that investigators later learned the victim had been physically assaulted and prevented from leaving the room.

After arriving at the Pulaski County Law Enforcement Center, deputies say Black kicked the inside of a patrol vehicle and caused significant damage to its rear door and window.

Investigators obtained warrants Friday charging Black with: