Rape suspect on the loose: 16-year-old victim bound with duct tape on boat dock
A teenage girl was bound with duct tape and raped on King’s Landing boat dock this week, according to police reports, leaving lawmen searching for her rapist who remains at large.
The 16-year-old victim reported the rape to family members minutes after it occurred. Her alleged attacker, Bruce Barnes, 36, a family acquaintance, fled into the woods near Campaign before deputies arrived on the scene. Investigators believe Barnes hid and slept in the woods even as deputies, with the aid of the sheriff’s department helicopter, scanned the area with the use of search lights for his whereabouts.
“We’ve had reports of sightings here and there, but our last sighting was of him getting into a truck around the Quebeck area,” said sheriff’s investigator Tommy Myers. “He’s not considered dangerous, but at the same time, he’s facing some serious charges.”
Myers has obtained warrants charging aggravated rape, a crime which carries 15 to 25 years in prison. Barnes will also likely be charged with aggravated kidnapping, which also carries 15 to 25 years.
According to investigators, Barnes picked up his victim in his truck and took her to King’s Landing boat ramp at Rock Island in the early evening hours Monday. At that point, Barnes reportedly bound the girl’s hands and feet before raping her inside his truck. He then returned the girl to her home, warning her not to reveal what happened. The victim, however, disregarded the warning and immediately told about the alleged crime.
Lawmen have Barnes’ truck and the evidence he left inside since he fled on foot.
Given the seriousness of the crime, Myers said officers want to nab the suspect as soon as possible. Myers is asking for anyone with information as to Barnes’ whereabouts to contact either investigators at 473-8738 or emergency dispatch at 668-7000.