Wanted Rape Suspect Arrested Thursday Night In Stolen Vehicle

Wanted rape suspect Jessie Lamont Wardlow, 34, of Madison, was arrested last night by South Precinct patrol officers on Haywood Lane while in a stolen vehicle following the alleged assault of a woman yesterday. Wardlow was wanted on four charges related to the November 22 aggravated rape of a 25-year-old woman on Gallatin Pike South prior to his arrest Thursday.

The victim from the November 22 rape 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. She ultimately made it to the Exxon at 819 Gallatin Pike South and hid in the back. Wardlow entered the store shortly thereafter and an employee ordered him to leave.

The victim was taken to Skyline Medical Center and treated.

Last night 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 to prevent Wardlow from removing her clothes, he punched the victim in the face.

The victim was able to drive off after Wardlow stopped at a convenience store on Haywood Lane. A cell phone belonging to the owner of the Malibu rang and the victim coordinated returning the Malibu to its owner.

The two women, the victim of the attempted rape and owner of the stolen Malibu, returned to the convenience store together and called police.

Wardlow was taken into custody and transported to General Hospital for a mandatory blood sample.

Wardlow was booked in on his outstanding aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, rape without consent and assault charges. He was additionally charged with attempted rape, assault, motor vehicle theft, and three counts of theft. He is currently jailed in lieu of $296,000 bond.