Woman fights off attempted rape in Abbeville

Joseph James is behind bars after he picked the wrong person to allegedly try to rape.
Last week, James, 19, allegedly approached a 57-year-old female who was walking on Dutel Street in Abbeville. Allegedly, James asked her to have sex. She refused. He did not like her answer, so he allegedly dragged her the off road behind a building.
He attempted to take her clothes off but the woman battled with him for around 15 minutes. He eventually got tired and left her.
The female, who knew James, walked into the Abbeville Police Station to file charges against James.
After charges were filed, the Abbeville Police Department located him in Abbeville and arrested him. He attempted to run but the police caught him.
He was charged with attempted forcible rape and simple kidnapping (for taking her off the street).
His total bond was set at $150,000. He still remains in the parish jail as of Friday.
Over the last 10 years there have been seven forcible rapes in Abbeville and 15 aggravated rapes.
If convicted of the felony, James can be sentenced to no less than five years in prison.