SUMTER, SC (WBTW) – Sumter County deputies say they have arrested a man who kidnapped, bound and sexually assaulted a 78-year-old woman Tuesday night.
The press release from Deputy Ken Bell says it happened in Dalzell and the woman called the sheriff’s office after she escaped Wednesday morning around 10:30 a.m. Bell says the victim and the suspect were knew each other and she was able to identify him as her attacker.
Over the course of the investigation, deputies found the suspect walking along the road and arrested him without incident.
Edward Earl McElveen, 66, was charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon, criminal sexual conduct first degree and kidnapping. As the investigation continues, more charges could be filed, deputies say.
Bell says the victim is currently being treated at Palmetto Health Tuomey for abrasions, cuts and bruises.
McElveen will have his first appearance hearing tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center.
