16-year-old claims rape inside city restaurant

Athens police have arrested a 25-year-old Elkmont man and charged him with rape after a 16-year-old girl came forward late Tuesday, saying she was attacked and sexually assaulted while both were at work at an Athens fast-food restaurant.

Shane Michael Woodward, of 21360 Cory James Way, Elkmont, was in Limestone County Jail Wednesday held on $25,000 bond. He is charged with first-degree rape.

Detective Dustin Lansford said the girl told investigators that the incident occurred about a month ago but the teen did not file a complaint at the time.

Woodward was arrested after the girl took out a warrant, police said.

At the time, the teen and Woodward were employed at the local restaurant, which police declined to name. She told police the incident occurred on a weekend night in the bathroom.

Lansford said the teenager told detectives that the man forced her into the bathroom and raped her. She said the attack occurred late at night and while other employees were inside the building.

Lansford said the girl had minor scratches and bruising, but did not require medical attention.

Since the attack, Woodward has left the business. The teenager, though, is still employed there, police said.