FRANKLIN
Despite an escape attempt, a Franklin man is behind bars following a sexual assault at Days Inn, said Capt. Tim Whitt, spokesman for the Franklin Police Department.

In the early hours of Monday, officers were called to the local motel in regard to a woman who had been assaulted and threatened, and when they found her, she had a severely swollen face. The officers learned that Randy Lee Phelps, 34, allegedly forced his way into the victim’s room where he sexually assaulted her, punched her in the face, choked her and held her against her will.

When the suspect fell asleep, the victim ran to the lobby where she called the police. Officers found Phelps asleep in the bed and took him into custody. Once there, the suspect complained of a medical issue and was transported to Southampton Memorial Hospital by ambulance.

While at the hospital, the suspect attempted to escape, which resulted in a scuffle between the suspect and the officer guarding him. However, Phelps was subdued by the officer.

After being transported to the police department, he was charged with several felony offenses and remanded to Western Tidewater Regional Jail without bond.

Phelps has been charged with malicious wounding, rape, abduction, strangulation and assault and battery of a law enforcement officer.