2009 rape suspect arrested

Gibson

A man wanted for the kidnapping and rape of a Salisbury woman has been arrested.

Salisbury Police arrested Robert Theodore Gibson, 55, early Friday. He was found in Conover, near Hickory, staying at an adult care facility.

He was jailed in the Rowan County Detention Center at 2 a.m. Friday on charges of kidnapping, first-degree rape and first-degree sex offense. His bond is set at $75,000.

On Thursday, police asked for the public's help in locating Gibson, who was believed to live on the streets.

Chief Rory Collins said Gibson was arrested as a result of the assistance of the media. Conover Police received a tip that Gibson was at the Austin Adult Care Center.

He was taken into custody by Conover Police and held for Salisbury Police.

Police said the rape occurred on Aug. 12, 2009. A woman walking to a friend's house cut through an empty lot at Cemetery and Long streets.

She told police a man with a knife forced her into an empty shed where he held her all night, raping and beating her. She was treated at Rowan Regional Medical Center.

Police recently identified Gibson as the suspect.

Collins thanked the media for assistance.

"We are extremely grateful for the help that the media provided to our department in this case. This is a great example of the benefit of the partnership between local law enforcement and media."