By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



A man was arrested Monday afternoon after allegedly breaking into a Coalburg home and attempting to rape a woman, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect, Randy Oneal Davidson, 28, reportedly knew the victim and had taunted her about being in a mixed-race marriage, according to Lt. Randy Christian.

Davidson, armed with a machete, reportedly forced his way into the victim’s home in the 800 block of Coalburg Road at about 3:30 p.m. He reportedly strangled a kitten to death in front of two children, an 11-month-old girl and a 3-year-old boy, before forcing a 27-year-old woman into a bedroom and striking the 3-year-old with his hand.

Christian said the man ransacked drawers in the bedroom and then forced the woman onto a bed and attempted to rape the woman.

“Before he could do so, a bus carrying her 9-year-old daughter pulled up in front of the house and he stopped,” Christian said.

Davidson then reportedly left in a 2000 Dodge Durango belonging to the victim’s husband.

The man was later arrested at a truck stop on 41st Avenue North by U.S. Marshals and deputies from Jefferson and Shelby counties. Davidson was to be taken to the Shelby County Jail on outstanding warrants of burglary and theft before being transferred to the Jefferson County Jail.

He faces assault, burglary, attempted rape, theft and animal cruelty charges related to Monday’s incident.