NORWICH – City of Norwich Police said at about 9:41 a.m. Wednesday morning, a local business called to inform them a woman had sought refuge at the store, asking for help and saying she had just escaped a sex attack.

Later on Wednesday afternoon at about 1:35 p.m. police arrested Stephen Dale Pierce, 66, of Birdsall Street, Norwich, and charged him in relation to the case.

He is charged with second degree kidnapping and first degree attempted rape, both felonies. He was also charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent person, third degree assault, and forcible touching, misdemeanors.

Previously, Pierce had served nearly 39 years in state prison for the 1974 murder of 16-year-old Wendy Cooper.

Officers responded Wednesday and transported the victim to the Chenango Memorial Hospital's emergency room for treatment for minor injuries.