Columbia, SC (WLTX) - An "armed and dangerous" man is accused of sexually assaulting an elderly woman, causing several injuries.
The Columbia Police Dept. is looking for 48-year-old Joe Nathan Fripp.
A security officer was walking along the 1000 block of Elmwood Avenue when he heard a woman in distress around 1 a.m. November 3. Investigators say the 62-year-old woman was found partially dressed with Fripp choking her. However, when the guard approached, he fled the scene.
Throughout the incident, Fripp reportedly punched the woman in the face and body multiple times. He also threatened her with a knife if she didn't follow his commands, which included staying within the immediate area.
The victim was treated for multiple injuries, including a broken nose, swollen eyes and facial lacerations that required stitches. She has since been released from a local hospital, but still requires medical treatment for her injuries.
Fripp will face several charges, including first-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct, first-degree assault and battery, kidnapping and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime
Deputies consider Fripp to be armed and dangerous, and ask anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
