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COLUMBIA (WACH) - A man accused of trying to rape a 10-year-old girl while the girl was trick-or-treating Wednesday was arrested by Richland County deputies.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department said William Brown, 56, was arrested on charges of kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that just before 9 p.m. Wednesday at the 300 block of Percival Road, deputies were called  to the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said  the girl was out trick-or-treating when she was approached by Brown, who fondled her and was found on top of her with his pants below his knees. The victim yelled out for Brown to get off of her and was heard by her mother and residents of the community who came to her aid. Citizens pulled Brown off of the victim and detained him until deputies arrived on the scene. Brown was taken by EMS to Palmetto Health for non-life threatening injuries sustained in a scuffle with citizens. Brown was later sent to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Lott said investigators are working to determine if Brown could have victimized others and are hoping that if there are additional victims’ will come forward.

These cases are handled by special investigators and with the utmost compassion and care – it is imperative that anyone who has been victimized by Brown, or any predator, to come forward so that they can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 

The Sheriff asks that if you or someone you know may have been a victim you should call our Special Victim’s Unit 803-576-3115. If someone wishes to provide anonymous information about predators or criminals, of any kind, call your anonymous tip to Crimestoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC.