The Selma Times-Journal

A Lowndes County man charged with abducting a Selma woman, assaulting her and leaving her in the woods for dead last week was still on the loose Saturday, as authorities said no arrest had been made.

Frank “Happy” Carter, 47, of 682 Baskin Rd., Tyler, is wanted for the alleged kidnapping and rape of a 23-year-old from the intersection of Tremont Street and Minter Avenue in Selma. The Selma Police Department is the lead agency in the investigation with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department.

The victim was taken to Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma, where she was treated for injuries sustained in the brutal April 18 incident. Investigators said the woman had been beaten, sexually assaulted, strangled with the cord from her sweat pants, and suffered from several contusions to the face and head.

Carter has been charged with kidnapping in Dallas County, and faces other possible charges in Lowndes County, depending on where the alleged offenses occurred, police said.

Authorities said Lowndes County residents have reported there have been similar accusations against Carter, but no formal charges were ever filed, police said. Because the alleged incident occurred in two different counties – two different judicial circuits – Carter faces multiple charges in two different courts. Lowndes County District Attorney John Andrews said he would coordinate with Michael Jackson Dallas County in the prosecution of Carter.

Police are asking for the public’s help in locating Carter, who could be dangerous, police said.

“If anyone knows his whereabouts they are asked to contact police,” said Det. Tory Neely of the Selma Police Department. “He has a violent background and is known to be in possession of a weapon.”

Carter is 5-foot-8 inches tall and approximately 180 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. Selma police impounded Carter’s silver 2-door 1999 Honda Civic, the vehicle reportedly used in the abduction.