AMITE (WGNO) – He took an oath to protect and serve, now the Amite police officer is accused of sexually assaulting two women.

Investigators say the officer was off duty and out of uniform when the alleged crimes happened.

WGNO News Reporter Darian Trotter has more.

25-year old Grant Carruth has found himself on the other side of the law.

The Amite police officer has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and raping women.

The allegations have been the talk of the town; in this close knit community.

“I don’t think that’s too cool because he is an officer and they take an oath to protect us not to hurt us,” Angela Mitchell said.

For the past month, detectives with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office have been investigating two separate cases, in which the suspect, who is a patrol officer allegedly identified himself as a narcotics officer.

Carruth is accused of placing handcuffs on the victims and taking them to undisclosed locations where they were allegedly forced to perform sexual acts.

“That’s scary, really scary to know that,” Mitchell said.

In both instances the women were eventually released.

Willie Mae Jackson’s prayers are for the victims.

“I just imagine how I would have felt you know, I’m getting out and I’m trusting them and then they do something like that. It’s just devastating,” Willie Mae Jackson said.

Police say the first case was reported in August; the second case was in September.

Similarities in both cases led investigators to believe the same person was responsible.

It didn’t take long before Grant Carruth was named the prime suspect.

“He got to be dealt with. I know this so whatever the courts and the judicial system decide then but some action has to be taken,” Jackson said.

“Jail time, same as anybody else would get for doing the same thing,” Mitchell said.

The Amite Chief of Police has declined comment.

Grant Carruth had been on the force for two years.

He’s currently on suspension without pay.

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