Search for Suspected Roadside Rapist

Authorities need your help finding a man they say attacked and raped a woman while she was jogging.  The Meigs County Sheriff's Department says the incident happened on the border of McMinn County several weeks ago, and they now have a sketch of the suspect.

Wednesday, Newschannel 9 talked with many people who live near the intersection of South No Pone Road and Shiloh where this incident happened.  They all say they're shocked, and hope someone can help identify the man responsible for this roadside rape.

Bill Womac has lived in the area near the Meigs and McMinn County lines his whole life.  He was shocked when he heard the news of what had happened.  "Sorta bothers you when you grow up in an area like this and wonder what's going on and if things have actually gotten that bad."

The Meigs County Sheriff's Department says it was around 5 o'clock on November 14th, when a the young woman went for a jog.  They say she was turning left onto Shiloh Road, from South No Pone Road, when a work truvk pulled up and the driver got out.  Detective Keith Kile with the Sheriff's Office says, "It's very serious, this young lady, 18 years old, she's been violated, she's been traumatized."

Kile says the man then attacked the victim, and forced her into a nearby ditch.  Kile says, "Got out and forced her to the ground on the side of the road and actually raped her, she said he took one of her arms and put it behind her."

Fortunately, Kile says the victim was able to get away and get to the hospital where she called the Sheriff's Office.  That's where she was later able to help with the sketch of the suspect who is described as around 6 feet tall, with gray hair, in his 40s or 50s, with two large bumps on his face.  Authorities and neighbors say they've never seen a crime like this here and hope this picture helps catch the criminal.  Womac says, "It would be nice to know he's off the streets, out of this area, and I hope they catch him and gets what he deserves."

Detective Kile adds, "Eventually, hopefully, we'll bring this guy to justice and bring some closure to her."

Kile says the victim is new to the area and did not suffer any other injuries from the incident.  He says the suspect's truck was described as an old gray work truck with no labels or logos on it.  He says since the sketch was released, they have interviewed one man as a person of interest.   But, he says he's counting on the community to help identify who the man is.  If you have any information, you're asked to call the Meigs County Sheriff's Office at 423-334-5268.