The alleged attacker of a woman in the bathroom of an outlet mall in Gulfport nearly escaped after reportedly leaving her severely injured.
On the evening of July 19, a vacationing woman and her family visited the Gulfport Premium Outlets mall in Mississippi.
The woman went into the restroom, and she was reportedly met by a man hiding inside. The stranger allegedly locked the door when the woman entered.
According to the alleged victim, the man forced her to go into one of the stalls. When he reportedly had her trapped, the man allegedly horribly beat her while he sexually assaulted her.
After the alleged attack, the suspect reportedly attempted to take the woman’s handbag before he left the public bathroom.
The alleged victim’s husband reported that their children could hear their mother screaming, and he realized his wife was in peril.
People outside the restroom saw the man trying to run from the area, and they held him while they notified the authorities.
Officers from the Gulfport Police Department arrived at the scene. They identified the suspect as 28-year-old Andrew Malik Jones.
When the woman spoke about the incident, she said a piece of cloth was placed over her face while the assault took place. She additionally reported that what felt like a belt was around her neck.
According to a press release from the police department, Jones was “processed and transported to the Harrison County Adult Detention Center to be held in lieu of $1,000,000 bond.”
He is expected to face charges for suspicion of one count of sexual battery and one count of robbery.
The woman was taken to the hospital, where they reported that she had a skull fracture and several other injuries.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a sexual offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.