GREENSBORO

&045; A search by deputies of the Hale County Sheriff’s Department for a man who forced a woman into his car Wednesday morning ended with the return of the woman and the man in custody.

According to the sheriff’s department, the incident began in Greensboro, but deputies were searching in the Newbern area for a small green vehicle with damage on one side.

The unidentified victim was a woman in her 30s, said Hale County Sheriff Larry Johnson.

The victim’s family called authorities at approximately 1:30 p.m. and said she was safe. However, the victim said she was sexually assaulted.

She was taken to Hale County Hospital for observation, Johnson said.

The unnamed suspect turned himself in Wednesday afternoon. He is known by authorities and has served time in county jail and prison for minor offenses.

The investigation into the incident continues, the sheriff said.