Man Arrested, Accused Of Attacking, Robbing 85-Year-Old At Laundromat

Updated: January 27, 2012

Officers in Greenwood say they have arrested the man accused of attacking and robbing an 85 year old woman at a laundromat earlier this week.

Odell Williams, Jr., 36, was arrested Friday as a result of a search warrant.  He is charged with kidnapping and strong armed robbery.

His bond was denied.

Posted: January 26, 2012

The Grendel Mill Village in Greenwood is on alert after a man is accused of attacking and robbing an 85 year old woman at a laundromat.

The robbery happened Monday morning at a laundromat at 317 Reynolds Avenue in Greenwood.

Police say an 85 year old woman was doing her laundry when a man grabbed her from behind, dragged her into the bathroom, hit her in the face, and got away with her wallet.

The woman has a cut and bruises on her face, but is expected to be OK.

The suspect is described as a black man wearing a dark color hoodie, white and black checkered pants, light colored shoes and a black stocking hat with a small bill in the front. He also had a goatee.

If you recognize the man in the video, Call Greenwood Crime Stoppers at 864-942-8727.

The community is so upset about what happened that they made their own fliers and started going door to door showing the man’s picture. Area businesses say the woman comes to the Laundromat at least once a week.

Barbara Register works next door to the Laundromat. She says, “We're just stunned that this could go on in broad daylight.”

What you don't see on camera is that police say the man snuck up behind the 85 year old, dragged her into the bathroom, hit her in the face, and took off with her wallet.

Shawn Rooney works across the street and saw the woman just after the attack. Rooney says, “She was shocked, and she couldn't get any words out.”

After the attack, the woman ran across the street to the tire shop for help. Rooney says, “She kept going through her purse, and everything was gone out of her purse. and blood was dripping off her face.”

Rooney says he took off to find the man, but never did. Now, the neighborhood is making sure everyone sees his face. The man’s face is eerily familiar to Register. She says, “He's been right here where we stand.”

Register says she's seen the man walking down the street the past two weeks. And he's even stopped in front of her building. Register shows 7 On Your Side a can of pepperspray she says her company distributed to employees. She says, “When we go out, we take it out to be prepared.”

Her co-workers and others are on guard until the man is caught. Rooney says, “Just contact the police. Do it anonymous because this guy's dangerous.”