Suspect in rape of elderly woman charged

Columbia police Saturday night arrested a suspect wanted in the rape on Friday of an elderly woman in a bathroom stall at a doctor’s office.

Charles Lamb, 46, was charged with criminal sexual conduct - first degree, kidnapping, strong armed robbery and trespassing, Columbia police said in a news release.

Lamb was taken into custody at the Lexington Medical Center after an employee who had seen his photograph in news reports notified security. He allegedly ran from approaching officers but was detained after a brief foot chase, police said.

The alleged sexual assault happened Friday afternoon in a restroom stall at 9 Richland Medical Park Drive, near Palmetto Health Richland hospital.

The crime was interrupted when a witness walked into the restroom, according to police. Lamb ran from the scene, police said.

The victim, a 61-year-old woman, suffered from head injuries during a struggle and was treated at the scene, police said.

Lamb is also accused of trying to steal money from the victim’s purse.

Lamb has been convicted more than half a dozen times in the past for exposing himself and for peeping or voyeurism.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 1-888-CRIME-SC, texting “TIPSC” to 274637 or submitting an online tip at www.midlandscrimestoppers.com.

This story was originally published March 18, 2017 at 2:06 PM with the headline "Suspect in rape of elderly woman charged."