Authorities said the woman fought off her attacker, reached her vehicle and flagged down a nearby constable’s deputy.
HOUSTON, TX — A 19-year-old man was arrested after a woman reported that she was sexually assaulted and nearly drowned while exercising near White Oak Bayou, Harris County authorities said.
Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen identified the suspect as Jacoby Fuselier. Investigators said the woman, who is in her 20s, was walking near the bayou in the Inwood area around 6:30 p.m. Monday when a man attacked her. The woman told deputies that the attacker sexually assaulted her, dragged her toward the water and attempted to drown her before she escaped.
The attack was reported near the 7000 block of Bent Branch Drive in northwest Harris County. Authorities said the woman resisted throughout the encounter, scratching the attacker near an eye and pulling out some of his hair. Investigators said those injuries later helped deputies identify a possible suspect.
After breaking free, the woman reached her vehicle and drove from the immediate area. She then flagged down a Precinct 1 patrol unit and reported what had happened, officials said. Emergency personnel took her to a hospital for treatment. Authorities did not release further information about her condition or identify her publicly.
Deputies began searching the surrounding neighborhood while the woman received medical care. Rosen said residents told investigators that a man matching the description had been riding a bicycle through the area. One woman reported that the bicyclist whistled at her and left when her husband came outside.
The same resident later saw the man again and notified authorities, according to investigators. Deputies found Fuselier in the area around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, about six hours after the attack was reported. Authorities said he initially tried to flee on a bicycle and resisted deputies before he was taken into custody.
Investigators said Fuselier had the woman’s cellphone and other evidence believed to be connected to the attack when he was arrested. Rosen said deputies used a Taser while taking Fuselier into custody. No mugshot had been released as of Tuesday.
Rosen said other law enforcement agencies were reviewing whether Fuselier might be connected to separate incidents in other jurisdictions. Authorities did not provide details about those investigations, and no connection to another case had been established publicly. Rosen also said Fuselier had previously been arrested by Precinct 1 in a firearm theft case.
The case was expected to be presented to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, which will decide what charges are supported by the evidence. Officials said possible allegations include sexual assault, attempted drowning, evading and resisting arrest, but formal charges had not been announced in the reports reviewed. The investigation remains active, and authorities said additional charges could be considered.
Author note: Last updated July 15, 2026.