Cape Girardeau man charged with rape, kidnapping after woman escapes captivity

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A 35-year-old Cape Girardeau man has been charged with multiple felonies, including rape and kidnapping, after a woman reported being held captive and assaulted over several days.

According to police, Denzel Smith was arrested Wednesday after the victim escaped and sought medical attention at Mercy Hospital.

The victim told police she met Smith on March 6 and was forced into his vehicle. She said she was held captive in Smith’s apartment for three days, during which time she was assaulted and prevented from leaving.

The victim reported that Smith used a knife to inflict injuries on her hands and wrists, and that he raped her while armed with the knife.

Smith has been charged with first-degree rape, armed criminal action, first-degree assault and first-degree kidnapping. He is being held without bond.

As with all criminal cases, Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty.