Man charged with kidnapping, assaily and intent to kill in domestic dispute

Benjamin Aaron Herbert, Jr.

"Officers with the Winston Salem Police Department were dispatched to a reported stabbing at 2871 Walnut View Ct, Apt E.  Upon arrival they found the front door locked however the suspect, Benjamin Aaron Herbert Jr., a 26-year-old black male, answered the door and was immediately placed into custody.  The victim, Diane Melanie Dukes, 25, was located in the rear bedroom with a stab wound to the upper torso.

Upon further investigation it was found that the victim and suspect have an ongoing domestic dispute with a valid 50B Domestic Violence Protective Order against the suspect.  Investigation revealed that the suspect arrived at the victim’s residence and when she answered the door he forced his way inside.  Once inside a struggle ensued and later ended with the suspect stabbing the victim.

The victim was transported by EMS to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center where she remains in serious but stable condition.  The suspect was taken to Forsyth Hospital by EMS for minor self-inflicted injuries and was released.   The suspect was later charged with First Degree Kidnapping, Assault with a Deadly Weapon with intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury, Felony Domestic Violence Trespassing, Felony Breaking and Entering, 50-B Domestic Violence Protective Order Violation.

He was placed in the FCLEDC under no bond allowed. The next court date is set for Sept. 25, 2014.  The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information concerning this investigation is asked to contact the Winston Salem Police Department at 773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 727-2800."

- A Police Report