Man charged with rape in New Castle, Delaware

NEW CASTLE, Del. -- Police say a man was arrested and charged with rape in New Castle, Delaware Friday.

20-year-old James Daniels was charged with raping a 25-year-old woman.

The incident occurred around 5:15 a.m. on June 17th at the Super Fuel in the 3000 block of New Castle Avenue.

According to police, Daniels paid the woman to perform a sex act, and when the act ended, he punched the victim several times.

Daniels then drove the woman to a secluded place area by the C&D camal.

The victim managed to run from the vehicle but Daniels chased after her.

Police say he caught her, and forced her back into the vehicle.

He forced the victim to disrobe and allegedly struck her with a baseball bat, and sexually assaulted her.

The victim was eventually able to escape from the vehicle and Daniels drove away with her belongings.

Daniels was arrested on Friday at his residence.

He is charged with rape first degree, robbery first degree, and possession of a deadly weapon.

Daniels was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $220,000 secured bail.