Arrest Made in Robbery, Kidnapping of 73-Year-Old

Anthony Maurice Wise/Provided

NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) – A 24-year-old man is behind bars in connection to the robbery and kidnapping of a 73-year-old woman Newberry County woman on September 21.

Authorities say, Anthony Maurice Wise of Green Meadow Drive was arrested Saturday morning and is charged with burglary, kidnapping, armed robbery, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and grand larceny.

The victim told authorities that she opened the door to get into her vehicle at her home on Green Meadow Drive and when she did, Wise, who had been laying in the seat, kicked her in the chest.

Police say Wise forced the victim inside the home, where he bound her using the duct tape and phone cord then took money and jewelry.

He then allegedly forced her into her vehicle still bound and drove her around demanding money from an ATM and later took her back to the residence and demanded more money and property.

It was after the suspect left the scene that the victim was able to escape enough of the bindings to call 911.

The victim was treated and  released from the hospital with a broken collar bone and other minor injuries.

“I find it especially despicable for someone to not just rob an elderly person but to physically assault and injure them as well,” said Sheriff Lee Foster.  “He could have gotten her money and property without injuring her, but he chose to inflict additional injury and pain on the victim, particularly since he knew her and lived in the same community. I pray that the legal system will take the full extent of his actions into consideration as he is dealt with by the law.”