GRAVETTE -- Benton County deputies arrested Charles Alan Rickman, 30, in connection with the brutal beating and rape of a 69-year-old woman in her home Tuesday in the area of Strawberry Ridge Road, officials said.
Deputies responded to a report of sexual assault at 7:41 a.m. Tuesday and arrested Rickman on Thursday morning, Sheriff Shawn Holloway said.
The woman is in serious condition at a local hospital. Her specific injuries and how they were inflicted was not given.
There are no other suspects at this time. This is not believed to be a random act, Holloway said.
Rickman also faces charges of aggravated residential burglary, aggravated assault, kidnapping, terroristic threatening, tampering with physical evidence, theft of property and interference with emergency communication. He was being held Thursday at the Benton County Jail with no bond set.
Prosecuting attorney Nathan Smith said, "This is the type of case -- the rape, the home invasion -- that shocks the conscience. We live in a safe community but these things do happen. We will be vigorous in our pursuit of justice."
NW News on 10/05/2017