Suspect Arrested In Ross Twp. Sexual Assault Investigation
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The suspect wanted in connection with two sexual assault cases in Ross Township earlier this month is in police custody following a lengthy standoff overnight in Pittsburgh's Hill District.
Investigators say 38-year-old Arthur Henderson was taken into custody around 3 a.m. at an apartment in the 2800-block of Wylie Avenue.
The standoff began around 11 p.m. Wednesday when police called for additional assistance.
"We had information that Mr. Henderson was in a residence in the 2800-block from an adjacent building," Cmdr. Timothy O'Connor, of the Pittsburgh Police Department, said. "The officers then using procedures that they follow were able to get Mr. Henderson to come out of the building. I think everybody up in the North Hills can now rest easily with his apprehension."
Henderson is now facing a long list of charges including two counts of rape and three counts of robbery as well as two counts of aggravated indecent assault.
His arrest came less than 12 hours after officially being named a suspect.
"We've been working really hard on this case for a number of reasons, mostly because the danger to the public," said Det. Brian Kohlhepp, of Ross Township Police. "Getting an arrest warrant secured was a great move for our investigation, but actually now having him in custody is really the moment we've all been waiting for."
Henderson is accused in two rape cases in Ross Township.
Investigator say the first took place at the Woodhawk Club Apartments on Jan. 7. The second incident happened Jan. 9 at the Cascades where Ross police believe Henderson's girlfriend also lives.
Police had questioned Henderson last week during the investigation and also took his DNA. He was considered a person of interest until Wednesday, when police say DNA results positively identified Henderson as their suspect.
"We did keep tabs as best we could and surveillances to his whereabouts, just as a person of interest and to see where he traveled and what activities took place," Det. Kohlhepp said.
Henderson was taken into custody by the Ross Township Police, Pittsburgh Police, Pittsburgh Police SWAT Team, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office and the FBI.
"These are allegations – they're just that," Henderson's defense attorney, Blaine Jones, said. "We are going to take our time, we're going to methodically go through this and we're going to – we're going to put together a viable defense."
Jones intends to retest the DNA.
"We're going to probably end up filing a motion with the courts to get samples so that we can go and get these things checked out," he said.
Jones says that although he believes his client is innocent, he feels for the victims.
"They went through a tragic ordeal and my heart goes out to them, but we're going to fight on behalf of Mr. Henderson," he said.
Henderson was taken to Mercy Hospital following his arrest, then the Ross Township Police Department and then transported to the Allegheny County Jail. He is being held on $2.5 million straight bail.
With the DNA evidence, police are also examining a sexual assault in Hopewell Township as well as a sexual assault case in South Carolina where Henderson is said to have family.
RELATED LINKS:
Ross Township Police
Ross Township Rape Suspect Remains At Large
More News from Ross Township
