A registered sex offender from Oconee County is accused of attacking a Clemson University student last week.
Darrell Scott Brooks, 57, from Oconee County, is facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, after he attacked a student inside her car and then fled with the vehicle into a neighboring county, according to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.
“Thankfully, a good Samaritan was driving by at the right place and at the right time and heard the woman yelling for help,” said Anderson County Public Information Officer Shale Remien.
Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre said,”Our Police Department works diligently to keep our residents safe, but we cannot do it alone. We rely on our partnerships with our citizens and ask everyone if they see something to say something as it is happening so officers can investigate.”
Here is what we know so far about the investigation.
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Investigation
Darrell Scott Brooks asked a college student at an off-campus apartment complex in the city of Clemson to give him a ride to “his broken-down car” late Tuesday morning, according to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.
While they were on the way, the victim was forced to pull into a church parking lot along Fants Grove Road in Anderson. Brooks attacked the young woman with a knife, assaulting her further by attempting to pin her down.
“She was able to escape, and in doing so, Brooks took the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the victim’s car and take off into Seneca,” Remien said.
Oconee County deputies witnessed Brooks crash the car, and he was immediately taken into custody. The 57-year-old suspect is charged with kidnapping, grand larceny, and assault with the intent to commit criminal sexual conduct.
Brooks is a registered sex offender in Oconee County and was just released from heavy sentencing in the spring, Remien said. Brooks remains in custody at the Oconee County Detention Center.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office is currently unable to provide the name of the apartment complex to protect the identity of the student, who is a victim.
The Clemson Police Department and Clemson University Police Department also assisted with this investigation. Clemson University is in contact with this student as she heals and will provide university resources.
Safety measures for Clemson University students
Clemson University is providing safety tips for students.
“College is a time for new adventures and personal growth,” Clemson University wrote in a post. “While doing these things, safety must remain a consideration. Whether taking the step to lock your door, knowing who you’re spending time with, or knowing how to access emergency services, your safety is essential to your well-being.”
Clemson University advises its students to save important telephone numbers in their phones, including their roommate, close friends, emergency contacts, the local police department, and Clemson University Police Department’s non-emergency telephone number 864-656-2222
Here is a list of emergency phone numbers.
Students can sign up for CU Safe Alerts to remain aware of campus-wide safety concerns.
Students can also download the My Clemson app to stay connected to all things Clemson. The Rave Guardian App is also available to help keep students safe by connecting them to campus safety, family, friends, and others they trust.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Clemson student attacked, sex offender facing charges; safety tips
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