Mississippi Man Charged with Kidnapping, Raping 78-Year-Old Woman

After a brief manhunt, police in Mississippi arrested a suspect and charged him with kidnapping and raping a 78-year-old woman in her home.

Gulfport Police Deputy Chief Chris Loposser told the Sun Herald that the suspect, Deltber Keyes, 44, was arrested and charged with the crimes of kidnapping, rape, and robbery over an incident that occurred on October 18.

“This is a success not only for the police department but also for the community,” Loposser said.

Police Sgt. McDaniel added that the elderly victim had exited the front door of her home on 25th Street in Gulfport after hearing a commotion outside. It was then, police say, that Keyes forced the woman back into her home where he raped her.

Police say the suspect also took an undisclosed amount of money and fled.

Keyes became the lead suspect and was arrested based on an anonymous tip on Wednesday.

He is being held at the Harrison County Adult Detention Facility on a $1 million bond set by Justice Court Judge Brandon Ladner.

Neighbors of the victim told WLOX TV that they are relieved that the suspect has been apprehended.

Several told the media that they remember seeing Keyes wandering up and down the street prior to the attack.

Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston or email the author at igcolonel@hotmail.com.