Portland Police have arrested a suspect who is accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 74-year-old woman after he allegedly offered to carry her groceries home just before Christmas.
The incident took place on December 23rd. Police said that the victim was walking from a downtown grocery store. Her bags were heavy, and a stranger asked if she needed a favor.
Mine Benner, from the Portland Police Bureau, said that the victim was on her way home when she stopped to take a break because the groceries were too heavy. Then a man asked her if she needed help, and she said “yes.” The man took her groceries to her home. He barricaded the door and prevented her from leaving.
The suspect, Kenneth Gregory Williams, 69, trapped the woman inside for three days and sexually assaulted the victim numerous times.
The victim was able to convince the man to leave her house on December 26. She then called 911 and informed them about the incident. The police went to her house and got her medical treatment.
Officers tracked down and arrested Williams on Sunday, January 6th, on three counts of first-degree rape and one count each of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree coercion, and first-degree burglary.
In the meantime, police have released the photo of Williams, as they believe there could be other cases of a similar nature. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael Bledsoe at michael.bledsoe@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case #24-332946.
Williams pleaded not guilty to all counts during a court appearance Monday in Multnomah County Circuit Court on accusations of attacking the 74-year-old woman.
Williams was booked into the Multnomah County jail.
