On the morning of January 28th, Peoria Police Officers arrested 27-year-old Phoenix resident Steven Ryan Michael on one count of Sexual Abuse, one count of Attempted Sexual Assault, one count of Aggravated Assault, and one count of Kidnapping. Charges may be added or amended as needed.

In the alleged attack, an adult female victim was jogging on Skunk Creek Trail near 75th Avenue and Paradise Lane in Peoria. Reports state that Michael approached the victim from behind and grabbed her, threw her to the ground, got on top of her and sexually abused her. The victim aggressively fought back, and was able to get away to call 911.

Michael was located by officers near where the incident occurred. Michael was taken into custody without incident, processed at the Peoria Police Department, and later booked on several felony charges.

Police say once they took him into custody, the suspect’s story did not add up. Michael  first told officers he took a bus from Phoenix to the Peoria area to go hiking but he wasn’t wearing hiking clothes and wasn’t near a hiking trail. His story then changed as  he told officers he was waiting for Arrowhead Towne Center to open.

If anyone may have witnessed this incident or has additional information, they are encouraged to contact Peoria Police Department Special Victim’s Unit Detective Koerner at 623-773-8874.