Local authorities in Alabama are commending the “courage” of a 7-year-old girl who ran for help when her teen sister was in danger.

According to reports, the siblings were being watched by their 51-year-old aunt identified as Melinda McNatt, who invited friends Tony Nathan Grissom, 30, and Amanda Grace Byrd, 37, to her home at a mobile park in Russellville, Alabama.

They reportedly drank and did methamphetamine in the company of the children. The adults offered the 14-year-old girl alcohol and then Grissom allegedly proceeded to rape her.

“(The teen) got drunk, and Grissom took advantage of the situation,” Sheriff Shannon Oliver said, “I just can’t understand why a 30-year-old man has that kind of thought. It’s just senseless and awful.”

When the victim’s 7-year-old sister realized she was being attacked, she sought help from the other adults in the house, but they were all passed out.

The young girl then ran to a nearby neighbour and they phoned 911. The victim was treated and has since been released from Russellville Hospital.

“Thank goodness she was there and had the courage to go help,” Oliver said “It was bad enough, but it could have been a lot worse.”

Police arrested Grissom and charged him with first-degree rape and is being held in the Franklin County Jail.

Byrd was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She has since bonded out.

Authorities charged McNatt with drug possession, drug paraphernalia possession, endangering the welfare of a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Source: Times Daily