A 56-year-old man faces criminal charges after he was accused of raping a 15-year-old in the Rose Hill area Friday.

At approximately 4:20 p.m. deputies were dispatched to a residence on Holley Road to a sexual assault call, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. The victim’s mother stated that a 56-year-old male was raping her 15-year-old daughter.

When deputies arrived on scene, the victim’s mother stated that the suspect, Russell S. Griggs, had taken her daughter back into a bedroom. Deputies entered the residence and found the victim was the only person in the bedroom. The suspect had fled the residence. Deputies along with Alabama State Troopers did a search of the residence and surrounding area. The Alabama State Trooper helicopter, along with the Dale County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was called to assist in the search. A K9 tracking team from Walton County Correction Facility was also called to assist.

While waiting for the helicopters and K9s to arrive at the scene, deputies received a call that the suspect was at a residence on Lord Hill Road. As deputies arrived at that residence the suspect ran into a field. Approximately 30 to 40 minutes after the tracking canines arrived along with the air support, the dogs picked up a track and the suspect was apprehended in a clear-cut area.

The suspect was transported to the Covington County Jail where he was charged Monday with second degree rape and was held on a $20,000 bond. Additional charges are pending, authorities said.

Sheriff Dennis Meeks expressed his thanks to all those who assisted in the investigation.