WV KNIFE AND GUN CLUB

(06/11/2018)
SEXUAL ASSAULT - Kenova Police say they've arrested a man for kidnapping and sexual assault after he allegedly held a knife to a 19-year-old woman's throat, took her to a secluded area and assaulted her.

The Kenova Police Department says William Smith was arrested for Kidnapping and Sexual Assault in the First Degree. Police say this is not Smith's first sex crime related arrest, reporting he's a registered sex offender after being convicted in Cabell County in 1983. He was in jail for roughly two-and-a-half years for that crime.

In this instance, Kenova Police say the victim told police she was walking home on Beech Street in Kenova on June 5th when Smith approached her in the 800 block. The victim told police Smith held a knife to her throat and took her to a secluded area where he assaulted her. She told police she was able to eventually get away from Smith and run for help.

Police say the victim was able to provide officers with a description of Smith as well as his clothing. Officers were able to find him, but say Smith ran, the foot chase ending when he failed to climb a tall fence. Smith was taken into custody.