Marietta rape, kidnapping suspect being held without bond

MARIETTA, Ga. - A man accused of raping a woman near a landmark Marietta restaurant appeared in court Monday morning. 

Andrew Head, 27, is accused of raping a woman near the Big Chicken, then kidnapping her in her own van. The woman was able to escape at a nearby gas station and called the police. That's when he took off in her van, and crashed a short time later. 

According to the Marietta Police Department, the collision happened Sunday morning near the intersection of South Cobb Drive near Fairground Street. Officers said Head crossed into oncoming traffic and hit another car head-on.  Both drivers were transported to Kennestone Hospital for treatment.

"He absolutely put several motorists' lives in danger," said Marietta Police Officer Chuck McPhilamy.  

The police chase began shortly after 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. The victim, police said, locked herself in the bathroom of a Texaco station on South Marietta Parkway and called 911 to report she had been kidnapped and raped multiple times inside her own van, which was parked off Roswell Road. Her alleged attacker, later identified as Head, stole the van and drove away. When officers spotted the van a short time later and tried to pull Head over, he sped off.  At one point, police said he drove toward officers.  

"We are just glad this violent suspect was taken into custody and won't be able to hurt anyone else," McPhilamy added.  

Head faces multiple charges including robbery by force, kidnapping, rape, fleeing /attempting to elude, improper lane change and aggravated assault on an officer.  

He appeared in court Monday morning in a wheelchair because of his injuries. During the hearing, Head claimed he didn't rape the woman because it was consensual. Ahead of his hearing, he was seen giving the camera the middle finger. 

Head remains behind bars. He's being held without bond.