Good Samaritan Saves Clemson Student during Attack

From the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office: Update on arrest of Darrell Scott Brooks

An Oconee County man is facing a list of charges, including kidnapping, after he attacked a student inside her car and then took off with the vehicle into a neighboring county.
Darrell Scott Brooks asked a college student at an off-campus apartment complex in the city of Clemson to give him a ride to his job since his car had “broken down” late Tuesday morning. He also claimed to be a Clemson employee. While they were on the way, the victim was forced to pull into a church parking lot along Fants Grove Road in Anderson. Brooks attacked the young woman with a folding razor blade knife, assaulting her further by attempting to pin her down.

Thankfully, a good Samaritan was driving by at the right place and right time and heard the woman yelling for help. Because of the good Samaritan, she was able to escape and in doing so, Brooks took the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the victim’s car and take off into Seneca.

Oconee County deputies witnessed Brooks crash the car and he was immediately taken into custody. The 57-year-old suspect is charged with Kidnapping, Grand Larceny and Assault with the Intent to Commit Criminal Sexual Conduct. We know he is a registered sex offender in Oconee County and was just released from a heavy sentencing in the spring. Brooks remains in custody at the Oconee County Detention Center.

As we continue this investigation and prepare for future prosecution, we are unable to release any additional information at this time. Protecting the integrity of this investigation is paramount in providing justice for this victim.

Anderson County Sheriff’s Office remains the lead investigating agency. We would like to thank our partners with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Clemson Police Department, and Clemson University Police Department for their continued assistance. Clemson University is in contact with this student as she heals and is providing university resources.