A 56-year-old man is being held in the Covington County Jail after he was accused of the rape of a 15-year-old in the Rose Hill area.

At approximately 4:20 p.m. deputies were dispatched to a residence on Holley Road, which is located in the Rose Hill area, to a sexual assault call, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. The victim’s mother stated that a 56-year-old male was raping her 15-year-old daughter.

When deputies arrived on scene, the victim’s mother stated that the suspect, Russell S. Griggs, had taken her daughter back into a bedroom. Deputies entered the residence and found the victim was the only person in the bedroom. The suspect had fled the residence. Deputies along with Alabama State Troopers did a search of the residence and surrounding area. The Alabama State Trooper helicopter, along with the Dale County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was called to assist in the search. A K9 tracking team from Walton County Correction Facility was also called to assist.

While waiting for the helicopters and K9s to arrive at the scene, deputies received a call that the suspect was at a residence on Lord Hill Road. As deputies arrived at that residence the suspect ran into a field. Approximately 30 to 40 minutes after the tracking canines arrived along with the air support, the dogs picked up a track and the suspect was apprehended in a clear-cut area.

The suspect was transported to the Covington County Jail and is being held with no bail until the investigation is completed.

Sheriff Dennis Meeks expressed his thanks to all those who assisted in the investigation.