Crime & Safety
Police: Man Suspected in Sexual Assault of 15-Year-Old Arrested
Ronald Tyshawn Ford, who is also known as "Bangs" or "Ronald Dukes," is expected to be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
An 18-year-old accused of coercing a 15-year-old girl into having sex with him was arrested Thursday night thanks to a tip from Crimestoppers, according to the Columbia Police Department.
Ronald Tyshawn Ford, who is also known as "Bangs" or "Ronald Dukes," is expected to be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to a release.
Ford is accused of forcing the 15-year-old to have sex with him at an unoccupied residence in the 4400 block of Palmetto Avenue on May 5.
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Police say Ford convinced the victim to skip school that day.
Columbia Police are searching for two other male suspects, both minors, in connection with the investigation. The suspects also are accused of having sex with the 15-year-old at the abandoned home.
Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If you have information that could help with the investigation, call
Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
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