Columbia man charged after attacking, attempting to kidnap teen girl

A Columbia man is charged with attempted rape, assault, and attempted kidnapping after he allegedly tried to pick up a 17-year-old girl in Boone County.

ABC 17 News first reported on 25-year-old Anthony Davis on Friday when he apparently tried to pull the girl into his vehicle just before 5:00 p.m. in the 7400 block of Highway VV.

Court documents said Davis grabbed the girl by her hair and tried to take her with him, but she fought him off after a struggle.

The victim told police Davis pulled over asking for directions, but she did not know the location he was looking for, and he left the area only to return later.

When he returned, he got out of his SUV and asked to use the victim’s phone. She said he then started asking her sexual questions, making her feel uncomfortable.

When the victim told him to leave, he grabbed her and told her she was coming with him. She punched and kicked him until she was able to free herself, grab her phone, and call 911.

Davis was able to drive away from the scene, but officers caught up to him shortly after. The victim was able to identify Davis as her attacker.

Davis is being held on a $500,000 bond and has been banned from being in contact with anyone under 18.

Davis has served two stints in Missouri prisons on previous charges.