Teen Accused of Trying to Rape and Kidnap Midtown Joggers

MEMPHIS, TN – Police have arrested a man who is accused of trying to rape and kidnap two women who were jogging in Midtown.

According to a affidavit, a 21 year-old woman was jogging in the area of Jackson Avenue and Charles Place, Sunday, September 7, 2008, when she says a man jumped out of a red Chevy Caviler and asked her if she knew him. The woman says when she told him no, he tried to take off her shirt while groping her. She told investigators that she kicked him in the groin and ran to the Rhodes College security gate for help.

Investigators say a similar incident happened on August 27, 2008, in the area of Poplar and Stonewall. In that incident, according to the affidavit, a woman was approached by a man who grabbed her by the waist and tried to force her into a red Chevy Caviler. The woman told police that she was able to free herself and ran away. Witnesses in the area yelled at the suspect who got into the car and drove away, according to the affidavit.

Memphis Police Major Joe Scott says, during an investigation, 19 year-old Darion D. McDowell was developed as a suspect in the case. Investigators have charged McDowell with criminal attempted kidnapping, sexual battery and criminal attempted rape.