Columbus teen reported missing says she was assaulted. Suspect faces rape charge

A man has been arrested and charged with rape after an investigation by the Columbus Police Department, authorities announced Monday.

Police say Keith Lowe, 51, was arrested Monday and charged with rape, first-degree cruelty to children and enticing a child for indecent purposes.

CPD officers were dispatched around 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 24 to a residence in reference to a report of a missing person, the news release says.

Police say the missing person was a 15-year-old girl who returned home later that morning around 11 a.m. The teenage girl reported that she was assaulted while she was away from home, police say.

Police say CPD’s Special Victims Unit was called to the scene to take lead on the investigation.

Warrants were issued for Lowe in connection to the incident following an investigation, according to police.

Police say Lowe is scheduled to appear in Recorder’s Court at 8 a.m. Wednesday.