IRMO, S.C. — A man will remain behind bars on charges alleging he kidnapped and raped a woman in a wooded area near Irmo. Police said they're looking to see if he could be connected to other cases in the area.
Thirty-five-year-old Daquan Williams appeared in court Thursday afternoon. He's charged with kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct for an incident that Irmo Police said was an "extremely violent assault" that happened Wednesday morning.
Irmo Police sent an incident report with more specific details, sharing that Williams met the female victim at a Walmart Tuesday night and that this victim was abandoned by her friend.
The report states that Williams approached her and asked if she needed help.
The victim said she needed a place to sleep, so she and Williams walked to a gas station to get food and then across the street into the woods, where Williams' tent was.
In the report, police said the victim woke up to Williams beating her and holding a knife to her throat before raping her.
The report states that the victim returned to the gas station to call 911 after the incident.
Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale sent a statement, saying in part:
"The safety of the residents, businesses, and general public within the Town of Irmo is our highest priority and greatest responsibility. I understand the public's concern surrounding the recent arrest of Daquan Williams and the crimes that he is currently accused of ... Our Investigators are working diligently to identify and speak with any other potential victims as people who commit crimes of this nature often target those most vulnerable."
At Williams' bond hearing Thursday afternoon, the judge found him to be a flight risk. Because of the serious charges he's facing, the bond couldn't be set, so it will have to wait until a later date in circuit court.
Sergeant Brett Mielke with Irmo Police spoke on behalf of the victim, who said they wanted Williams' bond denied.
Mielke added that Williams has committed crimes against other women in the past, including strangulation and threats, and they're worried he might target homeless women.
News19 obtained a criminal history report for Williams that shows he was convicted in 2020 of first-degree criminal domestic violence. As part of his sentence, he was issued a permanent restraining order against the victim.
Investigators said they believe Williams may be connected to similar cases in the area and have contacted surrounding agencies as part of their ongoing investigation.
If you have any information, police ask you to contact Sergeant Kelly Mountzouros at 803-781-8088, or you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously in any of the following ways:
- Call 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).
- Use the P3 Tips mobile app.
- LOG ON to www.MidlandsCrimeStoppers.com, and click the red "Submit a Tip" tab.