Franklin, Va. - A Franklin man has been arrested and is now facing several charges, including rape and strangulation, according to the Franklin Police Department.
It happened on February 2, 2015. Officers responded to the Days Inn, located on Armory Drive, in regards to a woman who had been assaulted and threatened.
When police arrived on scene, they found the victim with a severely swollen face.
Police have identified the suspect as 34-year-old Randy Lee Phelps. Police say Phelps had forced his way into the victim’s room; they say he sexually assaulted her, punched her in the face and head, choked her, and held her against her will.
When the suspect fell asleep, police say the victim ran to the lobby where she called police. Officers found the suspect asleep and took him into custody. Once in custody, the suspect complained of a medical issue and requested treatment. He was transported to Southampton Memorial Hospital by ambulance.
While at the hospital, the suspect tried to escape, which resulted in a scuffle between the suspect and the officer guarding him; the suspect was subdued by the officer, police say.
Phelps was transported to the Police Department where he was charged with several felony offenses and transported to Western Tidewater Regional Jail without bond.
The suspect, Randy Lee Phelps, has a last known address of 1660 Armory Drive in Franklin, Virginia.
Phelps is charged with malicious wounding, rape, abduction, strangulation, and assault and battery of a law enforcement officer.
