Triston Gardner, an 18-year-old former captain of the Willow Spring High School football team, has been charged with kidnapping and forcibly raping a girl in a bathroom during a house party on Saturday, according to police reports.
Gardner, of Javelin Court in Clayton, faces felony charges of second-degree forcible rape and first-degree kidnapping. Warrants for his arrest were issued on Sunday, alleging that he committed these crimes against the victim’s will.
The Fuquay-Varina Police Department apprehended Gardner around 8 p.m. on Sunday. He appeared in court virtually on Monday morning, where his attorney was unsuccessful in arguing for a lower bond. Prosecutors provided some details regarding the allegations against Gardner.
Rape at a house party
As reported by CBS 17.com, a prosecutor stated that the alleged rape occurred in a bathroom at the party, and the victim suffered “injuries to the genitals consistent with a rape.” The prosecutor also mentioned that two witnesses saw the victim and Gardner, with the victim appearing “visibly upset.”
After being confronted, Gardner reportedly fled the scene.
‘GET OUT OF OUR SCHOOL’
Wake County Public Schools told reporters that Gardner is no longer a student at Willow Spring High School. He was previously a captain of the football team and also played on the baseball team, but his involvement ended abruptly on Sunday night when he was taken into custody.
Former Willow Spring High School football player jailed on a $500,000 bond
During Monday’s hearing, prosecutors requested that Gardner be held without bond, but they also asked the court to consider a high bond for class C felonies if a bond were to be granted. Gardner’s attorney argued for a $50,000 bond, noting that Gardner had just turned 18 on September 17, was born in Raleigh, is a senior, and has a 4.1 GPA.
“He’s looking at colleges right now and will probably get an athletic scholarship in one of those sports, if not both, the attorney said in court, according to CBS 17.
The attorney acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but asserted that they were “completely inconsistent” with his knowledge of Gardner. Nevertheless, the judge set Gardner’s bond at $500,000 and ordered him not to contact the alleged victim. He must also maintain a distance of at least 500 yards from her residence, school, and place of employment at all times.
Gardner’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 14 at 9 a.m.
