Armed, dangerous man wanted on sex crime charge arrested in Upstate, Columbia police say
Months after a violent incident, the search for an “armed and dangerous” man wanted on multiple charges ended Wednesday, according to the Columbia Police Department.
John Forrest Washington Jr., a 28-year-old accused of sexual assault, was taken into custody in Spartanburg, police said.
More than seven months ago — on Oct. 1, 2021 — Washington broke into a a 21-year-old woman’s home on Pelham Drive, police said. That’s near Garners Ferry Road, and about a mile from William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center.
After forcing his way into the home, Washington made “threats while armed with a sharp object,” and assaulted the woman before stealing her black 2015 Nissan Altima, according to police.
The woman suffered a cut to her hand during the attack, which police said was not life threatening. She was treated at a local hospital.
Washington is facing charges of first-degree burglary, kidnapping, first-degree assault and battery, first-degree criminal sexual conduct and grand larceny of a motor vehicle, according to police. The arrest warrants were entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
Police said Washington, who it considered armed and dangerous, has family ties in Upstate South Carolina.
There was no word if Washington was with family when he was arrested, but he was found thanks to a tip submitted to CrimeStoppers, according to police.
The U.S. Marshal’s Service and Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office assisted police in the investigation and arrest of Washington.
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This story was originally published May 4, 2022 at 8:05 AM.
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