ACSO: Clemson student kidnapped after offering man ride

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A Clemson student was kidnapped and attacked after offering a ride Tuesday morning, and was able to escape after the help of a passing driver.

Investigators said a man claiming to be a Clemson University employee asked the victim at an off-campus apartment complex in Clemson if she could drive him a ride to work because his car was “broken down.”

The man then forced her to drive to a church parking lot on Fants Grove Road in Anderson County, attacked her with a knife, and attempted to pin her down, according to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim was able to escape when a good Samaritan was driving by and heard her yell for help. The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Darrell Scott Brooks, drove off with the vehicle into Oconee County, according to deputies.

According to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect was located on Longcreek Highway near Mar Val Drive. Deputies chased the SUV until it crashed near Raines Road.

Brooks was taken into custody and charged in Anderson County with kidnapping, grand larceny and assault with the intent to commit criminal sexual conduct.

Brooks was also charged in Oconee County with failure to stop for a blue light, resisting arrest, receiving stolen goods, reckless driving, driving under suspension and simple possession of marijuana.

Deputies said Brooks is a registered sex offender in Oconee County.

Brooks remains in custody at the Oconee County Detention Center.

Brooks was previously convicted of first degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping in 2003.

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