SALISBURY — The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office has charged a China Grove teenager with the rape of a 13-year-old girl who they say approached a deputy after she was dropped off at a convenience store.

Kendall Robert Miller, 17, of the 100 block of Pauline Court, was charged Tuesday with three counts of felony statutory rape or sex offense.

The assault was initially reported Aug. 4 by the victim, officials said, after Miller drove her to the store.

A deputy who happened to be at the same store said the victim approached him to explain what happened. According to the victim, the offenses occurred at a friend’s house.

The victim and suspect knew each other, authorities said.

The offenses occurred over the course of a few weeks, a detective said.

Authorities say Miller is a student at Carson High School. Miller remains in the Rowan County jail under a $300,000 secured bond.