Sheriff asks public for help in attempted rape and robbery investigation

Updated at 4:15 p.m. Friday

ATHENS - Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly is asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect in an attempted rape and robbery on the morning of August 19 on Route 550 near McDougal Road.

In a media release, Kelly said deputies responded to an Amesville residence after a 911 call was received at 10:49 a.m.

According to a call log released by Athens County 911, Brittany Mitchell of Amesville, reported that a female friend said a male attempted to rob and sexually assault her after her vehicle broke down sometime around 7:30 a.m.. 

According to Kelly, Deputy Alan Sullivan responded to Mitchell's residence where Deputy Sullivan, Det. Brice Fick and Det. Doug Crites interviewed the alleged victim. She described the alleged assailant as a male in his early 40s, between 5 foot 9 inches and 6 foot 4 inches tall, with brown to gray hair and nicotine stained fingers, wearing a blue tee shirt, brown cargo pants, carried a back pack and had a “beer gut.”

According to Kelly, the woman said she was driving to Athens in a blue Hyundai Sonata when the vehicle stalled. She said the male crossed the highway to her car and demanded money. After telling the suspect she did not have money the suspect took her wallet, searched it and threw it back in the vehicle.

The woman stated the suspect grabbed her by the hair and pulled her from the vehicle, dragging her off the roadway. As she was dragged from her car she grabbed a set of hedge shears. She said the male began tearing at her clothes and she attempted to stab him with the shears then ran to her car. The vehicle started and she drove off. The woman was not sure if she stabbed him.

Kelly said deputies and detectives collected evidence and the incident remains under investigation.

Anyone driving on Route 550 and observed either a blue vehicle on the side of the roadway or male walking on Route 550 between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. is asked to call Deputy Alan Sullivan at (740) 593-6633.

cleverpeasants@gmail.com

Twitter @cleverpeasant

Like us on Facebook