PHOENIX — Police have made an arrest in connection to a sexual assault near a Phoenix canal.
The incident occurred as a woman was jogging along a canal near Central and Dunlap avenues around 7:30 a.m.on Monday.
“The victim was not able to get herself out of the canal. A bystander actually was able to assist her out of the canal. The male fled on foot. Again he’s described as a black male, 20 to 30 years old. He was wearing a black t-shirt with white stars on it, and blue jeans,” said Sergeant Ann Justus with the Phoenix Police Department.
Former State Senator Kate Brophy McGee, who lives nearby, said her home surveillance cameras were rolling at the time of the assault. She reportedly provided the footage to police. The video showed the moment the assault happened, and when the perpetrator pushed the victim into the canal and ran off.
A composite sketch was generated of the suspect and police were able to identify similarities to 34-year-old Charles Torbeck Jn Michely, who was already in custody, according to police.
Michely was arrested on Tuesday near 7th and Campbell avenues, after he allegedly assaulted and tackled another individual, prompting two good Samaritans to pull Michely off the victim until authorities arrived.
Police booked Michely into jail on a misdemeanor assault charge.
Michely was also wearing a GPS ankle monitor, which helped authorities place Michely in the area of the sexual assault at the canal. The sexual assault victim was able to identify Michely from a photographic lineup.
More charges were brought up against Michely, including attempted murder, sexual assault, resisting arrest and kidnapping.
Officials say the victim is recovering at home.
