Hawkins County man accused of kidnapping two people at gunpoint in Mooresburg

A Hawkins County man was arrested early Sunday evening after police said he took two people from their home at gunpoint earlier in the day.

Benjamin Drew Helton, 38, was spotted driving at a red light in Bulls Gap just before 7 pm and is charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping, according to a report from Sheriff Ronnie Lawson’s office.

The victims told investigators that Helton arrived at their residence in Mooresburg just after midnight, forced them from the home with a gun, then repeatedly told the duo they would be killed if they did not produce money and drugs.

The two were able to jump out of Helton’s SUV near the Grainger County border when a struggle began over a cell phone. They remained in the woods until officers arrived.

Helton will be arraigned this week in Sessions Court.

(MUGSHOT: HSCO TN)