NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Niagara Falls Police say they have arrested a suspect in connection to a sexual assault in September.
The incident happened September 19 around 11:30pm at the Pine Plaza on Niagara Falls Boulevard near Military Road.
Police say a 31-year-old woman was approached by a man with a gun in the parking lot of the plaza. They say the suspect allegedly forced the woman behind a business in the plaza and sexually assaulted her. The suspect, who was described by the woman as a Black male with a light complexion and bald head, then fled the area.
During the investigation, police received a tip about a suspicious person. While police were investigating that call, the officer on scene had his body camera on while talking to various people. As the officer was leaving, a male subject said a certain phrase to the officer. That same phrase is something the victim told police her assailant said during the assault.
Working with the Niagara County District Attorney's Office, police believed they had enough evidence to make an arrest.
Alexander J. Bryant, 18, of Niagara is charged with one count of Rape in the First Degree. While police were taking Bryant into custody, they say they found a loaded .9mm handgun on him. He is also facing a Criminal Possession of a Weapon charge too.
Bryant was arraigned in Niagara Falls City Court Wednesday morning. He pleaded not guilty. He is currently remanded to the Niagara County Jail. Bryant's next court appearance will be Monday, October 30.