Father, son charged with kidnapping, robbing man

Warrants show that Willie Gray Richardson, 62, and Kevin Elmore Richardson, 26, of 3204 Brasswood Court. Apt 10 in Greenville, were arrested Thursday on charges including first-degree kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery and conspiracy.

Tahji Wilkins said that the Richardsons are father and son and his longtime family friends. He said they invited him over to their house near Knightdale on Jan. 12.

When he got there, Wilkins said, Kevin Richardson attacked him with a rifle, hitting him on the head and in the face. Both suspects tied him to a chair, and Willie Richardson poured coffee on him, the victim said. The men emptied his pockets and took his wallet, which had $25, Wilkins said.

The whole time, Wilkins said, he was asking, "Why, why are you doing this?" but the men never answered.

Wilkins said that adrenaline was running through him, so he was able to break free and get to a neighbor, who called 911.

Wilkins had to get eight staples for a gash on his head and eight stitches for cuts and bruises around his eye. He said that now has $8,000 in medical bills to pay.

Both suspects were being held in the Wake County Jail Saturday. Willie Richardson had a $301,000 bond, and Kevin Richardson $525,000.

Wilkins said that he is relieved that the suspects are behind bars and that he has no idea why they beat and robbed him.