MESA, AZ — A juvenile male is arrested after reportedly sexually assaulting a teenage girl at a Mesa park.
Mesa police report that on March 15 a girl was walking home with an ex-boyfriend in the area of Val Vista Drive and Southern Avenue.
She later described the 17-year-old suspect as being "jittery" and appeared to be high.
The suspect attempted to hug the teenage girl, but she told him she was uncomfortable with this. He then allegedly became irritated with her, grabbed her arm and forced to the ground.
The victim reportedly told police he was choking her as she fought back, hitting him in the face and chest.
The attack was in an area of Countryside Park that is not visible to passersby, according to police. The suspect sexually assaulted the girl, then left.
When the victim later contacted the suspect, he reportedly admitted to his actions saying, "I was high and was not thinking."
Upon his arrest the suspect admitted to sexually assaulting the girl, police say.
He is being held on a $50,000 bond and has been charged with sexual assault.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic or sexual violence, there are several local and national organizations offering resources. Anyone in need of immediate assistance should contact either the Maricopa County Shelter Line at 480-890-3039, the National 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence at 602-279-2900. A number of organizations are available 24 hours a day for anyone at risk of experiencing domestic or sexual violence. See a directory of domestic violence programs here.
