9:31 a.m. 10/25/18 UPDATE: Police have identified the suspect as 57-year-old James William Daniels from Jefferson, Ga. He was arrested and charged with false imprisonment and rape. The victim has been identified as a female University of Georgia student.
Police said the young woman was abducted in downtown Athens on Oct. 24 just after midnight. She was then found. Investigators said Daniels has a history of violent sexual assault.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has begun a joint investigation with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Police said eyewitnesses saw a young woman being forced into a black Nissan Sentra on Broad Street. Those witnesses called 911.
“One individual actually attempted to follow the car and was able to obtain the tag number, which was actually the best tip we could have ever had in the case,” said GBI investigator Mike Ayers.
As they investigate this abduction case, police said there may be other victims. Investigators hope others will come forward if they recognize the black Nissan Sentra car.
“We are asking anyone that has had contact with the driver of that vehicle to please contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department,” Ayers said.
Janie Bohlmann is a senior majoring in journalism.
