Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011

KEYSVILLE, Ga. -- Deputies have a rape suspect in custody after a search that spanned three counties.

Deputies arrested Darrell Williams, who is accused of raping a 16-year-old in Burke County, around 5 p.m. Wednesday after a 13-hour search.

Williams' cellphone was dead and he could only dial 911. Several of his 911 calls have led deputies to a home on the 4000 block of Noah Station Road. Another ping led them to the 1800 block of Noah Station Road.

They have closed down Highway 88 in northern Jefferson County between Noah Station Road and Sidetrack Road.

April Ortiz lives in that area and told News 12 via Facebook that deputies are searching all cars in and out of the area and that people living nearby, like herself, are being told to stay inside their homes.

Burke County Sheriff Greg Coursey told News 12 this started around 4 a.m. when a deputy spotted Williams in a minivan. That deputy chased Williams into Richmond County around the Blythe area. Next, Sheriff Coursey says Williams made his way back to Burke County on Highway 88 and headed into Jefferson County where he jumped out of the minivan. Ortiz says it looks like the driver crashed the car near Noah Station Road.

News 12 asked Burke Sgt. Dedrick Smith if Williams was believed to be armed or dangerous. He told us: "He's desperate right now. We are not going to take any chances."

Williams' girlfriend is in custody for trying to help him escape. Sgt. Smith said Williams' girlfriend, Diane Williams (no relation), was driving the minivan. She's been arrested. Sgt. Smith says investigators questioned her yesterday on Williams' whereabouts. They say she knew he was wanted and they believe she was trying to help him get out of town this morning.

Investigators plan to charge Diane Williams with aiding and abetting a fugitive plus several traffic charges for driving the minivan during the three-county chase.

Burke County first asked for the community's help in finding Williams yesterday. They told News 12 he's wanted for breaking into a home in Burke County where a 16-year-old was home alone and raping her.

Richmond County investigators say Darrell Williams had just been paroled from the Augusta State Medical Prison on May 24. After his release, investigators say he is suspected in a sexual assault on a young child in July and August of this year in Richmond County. That case is still open and no charges have been filed.

According to the Georgia Department of Corrections website, Darrell Williams has a long criminal history. Since 1983, he's been in and out of jail in Augusta and in Bulloch County, which is near Savannah. His crimes include two escapes, aggravated assault, burglary and theft by receiving stolen property plus weapons violations.