Man accused of abducting missing Columbia teen

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Investigators have charged an Elgin man with kidnapping in the disappearance of a 15-year-old Columbia girl earlier this month.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Tuesday that Freddie Grant was an acquaintance of the family of Gabrielle Swainson.

Lott says investigators think Grant forced the teen from her home in her pajamas on Aug. 18.

Lott says investigators have found the teen’s blood on duct tape near Grant’s home. The sheriff says Grant has been uncooperative.

Lott says officers are searching a junkyard across from Grant’s home for the girl. The sheriff says he’s still hopeful she will be found alive.

Lott says investigators are checking to see whether Grant is involved in the disappearance of a 28-year-old woman last year.

Authorities did not know whether Grant had an attorney.