Kidnapping, Burglary Suspect Arrested

Columbia, SC (WOLO)— A man accused of Kidnapping, Sexual Assault, and Burglary is now behind bars.

Authorities say  24 year old Niat Gebrekristos was taken into custody following a string of crimes The Richland County Sheriff’s Department say he was wanted for.

Back on August 11th, Deputies say Gebrekristos knocked on the door of a home in the 1 thousand block of Beatty Street. Once the victim open the door, authorities say he forced his way into the home where he’s accused of sexually assaulting the person inside.

Deputies say, Gebrekristos was identified by DNA left behind at the scene. The Victim was transported to an area hospital to be treated for injuries sustained in the alleged attack.

Officials say while searching for Gebrekristos was ongoing, he threw a cement block into the window of Nick’s Restaurant, in the 19 hundred block of Broad River Road, stole a cash drawer and an unknown amount of money. Authorities say he had been employed by the restaurant prior to the burglary.