MAN INDICTED FOR KIDNAPPING AND ATTEMPTED RAPE OF 68 YEAR OLD WOMAN WALKING TO CHURCH

Posted on 7/11/2017

Defendant: Markis Chuvalo Couch

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien stated, “Fortunately a Columbus Police Officer in the area heard the victim screaming and noticed the suspect on top of the victim assaulting her on the ground.  Police immediately secured the scene and took the suspect into custody.”  Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced that the Franklin County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Markis Chuvalo Couch, age 50, in connection to the attack that occurred in downtown Columbus on the Mobile Gas Station lot located at 215 E. Rich Street around 7:30 am on July 2nd, 2017 to a 68 year old woman as she was walking to church.  The suspect allegedly grabbed her by the neck, choked her, threw her to the ground, struck her, and attempted to rape her.  Couch has been indicted for two counts of Kidnapping (F-1), one count of Attempted Rape (F-2), and one count of Abduction (F-4), for a total of four counts.  O’Brien commended the Columbus Police for their immediate assistance and response in this case.  Arraignment for Couch is set for Friday, July 14th, at 1:30 pm in courtroom 2B at 345 S. High Street in downtown Columbus.