Homeless Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting, Stabbing Teen Student
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – A 59-year-old homeless man was arrested Wednesday for sexually assaulting, stabbing and dumping a 17-year-old girl behind a furniture store as she walked to a bus stop near Love Field.
Around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, police say Tommy Robinson, 59, dragged the teen behind a Dumpster off Maple Ave., sexually assaulted her and stabbed her multiple times.
Dallas Police spokesman Lt. David Pughes said the girl was walking to a Dallas Area Rapid Transit bus stop at Maple Ave. and Kings Rd. at the time of the attack. She was on her way to school.
Police say Robinson left the girl for dead.
More than an hour later, an employee of Quintanilla Furniture discovered the girl's body as he took out a bag of trash that wasn't removed Tuesday night.
Employees called 911.
"It was devastating," said storeowner Ray Quintanilla, who stayed with the girl until paramedics arrived. "Her eyes said it all. We called for an ambulance. She was in bad shape."
Detectives say the teenager's bravery and detailed description of her attacker led to Robinson's arrest. Police brought in a canine unit, and a dog tracked the suspect's scent to a block away from the crime.
Pughes said Robinson was arrested while bathing in a creek.
"This is a young high school student," Pughes said. "She was a great assistance in tracking this guy down."
Surveillance video captured by a nearby liquor store may prove to be helpful in the investigation, Pughes added. According to the time stamp, a man is seen running after what appears to be a young schoolgirl at 7:36 a.m.
Residents in the area described Robinson as homeless and police say he has a criminal background including assault and domestic violence. He has also known as Tommy King.
Those who live and work nearby were in shock and disbelief.
"It scares me," said Brandy Cortez, a nearby resident. "It's really scary.
Police are not releasing Robinson's booking photo because they fear it would compromise their investigation: The teenager has yet to view a photo lineup in an attempt to identify her attacker.
The 17-year-old victim remains in critical condition Wednesday night, but has been stabilized. Robinson has been charged with aggravated sexual assault.
