Smithfield teen accused of trying to rape woman
A Smithfield teen has been accused of attacking and trying to rape a woman who lives near him on Friday afternoon.
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A man wearing all black and a mask broke into the woman's home, held her down and tried to rape her, authorities said. She struggled with her attacker, and when his mask fell off, he fled.
Paramedics treated the woman for a bite mark and scratches.
Johnston County sheriff's deputies arrested Craig Gartrell Groves, 18, a short time later in woods behind his home on N.C. Highway 210. He was charged with attempted first-degree rape and breaking and entering. He was placed in the Johnston County jail under a $150,000 bond.
School officials said Groves was a senior at South Campus Community High School in Smithfield and used to attend West Johnston High School.
Groves was placed on probation in April for a second-degree trespassing conviction stemming from a January incident, according to state Division of Adult Correction records.
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