Man Lures Female Worker Into Restroom, Attempts Rape: Police

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A 24-year-old Gaithersburg man was charged Friday for attempting to rape a woman inside an apartment complex in Derwood, according to authorities.

Joao B. Rodrigues, of the 8200 block of Amity Circle, was charged with attempted second-degree rape, second-degree assault, and false imprisonment, court records show.

Montgomery County Police said the incident happened at an apartment building, located at 8010 Gramercy Blvd, on Friday, Nov. 30. Rodrigues reportedly approached a female custodian in the first-floor hallway and said the men's bathroom did not have any paper towels.

When the woman went into the bathroom, Rodrigues followed and tried to sexually assault her, police said. The victim was able to escape from Rodrigues and call police.

As part of their investigation, police said they watched the area where the incident took place. On Friday, Dec. 7, officers in plain clothes spotted Rodrigues, who matched surveillance photographs, entering the apartment building. Police said he then "walked to the bathrooms where the attempted rape had taken place."

Officers with the 1st District Special Assignment Team took Rodrigues into custody, where he was questioned. Police said Rodrigues made "admissions of guilt" during the interview.

The 24-year-old is being held without bond, according to authorities. He is scheduled in court for a hearing on January 4, 2019.

Image via Montgomery County Police

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