42-year-old Thomas Eugene Ikard of South College Avenue in Newton was arrested by Hickory Police Officers. He’s charged with first-degree forcible rape, assault by strangulation, resisting a public officer, communicating threats, and possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce. Ikard was placed in the Catawba County Detention Facility this morning (May 17) under $112,000 bond. A District Court appearance was scheduled today.