The courage of a 7-year-old girl led to the capture of a man accused of raping her 14-year-old sister.

Tony Nathan Grissom, 30, of Russellville, is jailed on a rape charged in connection with the sexual assault of the 14-year-old girl. Grissom was taken into custody by Franklin County Sheriff's deputies after the 7-year-old ran to a neighbor's house to get help for her sister, who was drunk and being assaulted, authorities said.

Tony Grissom and Melinda McNatt

The incident happened at Pleasant Ridge Trailer Park in Russellville on Wednesday night when the girls were with a family member who was having company over to drink and use methamphetamine, said Sheriff Shannon Oliver.

The family member, Melinda McNatt, also was arrested for providing alcohol to the 14-year-old, Oliver told Al.com.

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

The 14-year-old victim was so intoxicated that she was semi-conscious and nearly passed out, Oliver said.

When her 7-year-old sister realized the teen was being hurt, she tried to tell the other adults in the house but they were passed out, the sheriff said. So, the 7-year-old ran out of the home and got help at a neighbor's house.

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

The neighbor was able to stop the assault and call 911. The victim was treated and released from Russellville Hospital.

Grissom remains in the Franklin County Jail. McNatt, 51, also remains jailed on charges of endangering the welfare of a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A third person was arrested and released on bail. McNatt's roommate Amanda Byrd was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Police haven't said why the children were with McNatt. The sheriff said the woman is believed to be the girls' aunt.

If convicted of first-degree rape, Grissom faces up to life in prison.