Clemson Student Escapes Kidnapping Ordeal, Suspect Arrested After High-Speed Chase

In a harrowing incident, a Clemson University student was the victim of a brazen attack and kidnapping attempt in Clemson, South Carolina. The Anderson County Sheriff's Office has apprehended the suspect, Darrell Scott Brooks, a 57-year-old from Oconee County, following a high-speed chase and dramatic arrest.

Suspect's Violent Assault and Kidnapping Attempt Thwarted by Good Samaritan

Suspect Lures Student, Attacks with Knife

According to the authorities, the incident unfolded on Tuesday morning at an off-campus apartment complex in Clemson. Darrell Scott Brooks, a registered sex offender recently released from a "heavy sentencing," approached a young female Clemson student and asked her for a ride to his "broken-down car." The unsuspecting student agreed, but during the drive, Brooks forced her to pull into a church parking lot along Fants Grove Road in Anderson. There, Brooks attacked the student with a knife, attempting to pin her down in a violent assault.

Good Samaritan Intervenes, Student Escapes

Fortunately, a "good Samaritan" driving by heard the young woman's desperate screams for help, and the student was able to escape her attacker. Brooks, however, fled the scene, taking the student's vehicle and driving towards Seneca.

High-Speed Chase and Dramatic Arrest

The Oconee County Sheriff's Office was alerted to a stolen white Audi Q5 spotted in the Westminster area. A deputy on routine patrol on Longcreek Highway near Mar Val Drive located the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Brooks, however, refused to comply and instead led the deputy on a high-speed chase, driving recklessly and passing on double yellow lines. The pursuit ended on Longcreek Highway near Raines Road when Brooks crashed the vehicle by running off the road and onto an embankment. Undeterred, Brooks fled on foot, but was ultimately apprehended by the deputies.

Suspect's Criminal History and Charges

Authorities discovered that Brooks was driving on a suspended license and was a registered sex offender in Oconee County, having recently been released from a "heavy sentencing" in the spring. The Anderson County Sheriff's Office charged Brooks with kidnapping, grand larceny, and assault with the intent to commit criminal sexual conduct. The Oconee County Sheriff's Office added charges of failure to stop for a blue light, resisting arrest, and receiving stolen goods, as well as a probation violation, reckless driving, driving under suspension, and simple possession of marijuana.

Clemson University Supports Student

Clemson University has been in contact with the student, providing university resources to aid in her healing process. The university's commitment to supporting its students in the face of such traumatic events is a testament to its dedication to their well-being.The harrowing incident has shaken the Clemson community, but the swift action of the authorities and the heroic intervention of the good Samaritan have prevented a potentially devastating outcome. As the investigation continues, the university and law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of all students.