NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Madison man wanted for rape charges was arrested on Thanksgiving Day in a stolen vehicle after he allegedly assaulted another woman, Metro Nashville police announced.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Jessie Lamont Wardlow, 34, was wanted on four charges related to the Nov. 22 aggravated rape of a 25-year-old woman on Gallatin Pike South prior to his arrest on Thursday.
Police said the victim from Nov. 22 reported Wardlow lured her away from her friends, took her phone, forced her to remove her clothing and sexually assaulted her before she was able to flee to a nearby gas station.
After the assault, the victim was punched in the face and strangled with her own jacket as she attempted to escape, authorities said. She ultimately made it to an Exxon station on Gallatin Pike South and hid in the back. Wardlow reportedly entered the store shortly thereafter, but an employee ordered him to leave.
That victim was taken to Skyline Medical Center and treated, per police.
Thursday night, however, another victim reported she was in the passenger seat of a gold Chevrolet Malibu with Wardlow when he attempted to rape her. During a struggle, police said the victim was able to prevent Wardlow from removing her clothes, but he punched her in the face as well.
The victim was able to drive off after Wardlow stopped at a convenience store on Haywood Lane. A cellphone belonging to the owner of the Malibu rang, and the victim coordinated the vehicle's return to its owner.
The two then returned to the convenience store together and called the police.
Wardlow was taken into custody and transported to General Hospital for a mandatory blood sample, MNPD said. He was then booked on his outstanding aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, rape without consent and assault charges.
Police also levied new charges against him, including rape, assault, motor vehicle theft, and three counts of theft.
Wardlow is currently jailed in lieu of a $296,000 bond.