North Miami Beach, FL - A 60-year-old man has been arrested on allegations that he attempted to drag a woman into an alley and forcibly kissed her against her will.
Authorities describe the incident as a kidnapping attempt after the suspect, identified as Kenneth D. Howard, assaulted the woman as she walked along a North Miami street in the early hours of Tuesday morning
According to the North Miami Beach Police Department, the victim had been a patient at a rehabilitation facility in the city and returned to the facility after undergoing a medical procedure at Aventura Hospital.
However, upon her return, the victim was informed that there was no longer any available space for her.
Police say that as the victim walked in the vicinity of Northeast Fifth Avenue and 168th Street shortly before 12:30 a.m., Howard approached her and forcefully grabbed her hand, leading to a struggle over her luggage.
The report states that as the victim's suitcase's wheels broke during the altercation, Howard proceeded to move the woman into an alley, where he initiated unwanted physical contact by kissing her.
During the attack, the victim claimed that a "white chalky substance" was transferred from Howard's mouth to hers and that Howard prevented her from spitting it out.
Following the assault, the victim escaped to a nearby Wawa gas station where she sought assistance.
While at the gas station, the victim identified Howard as her assailant when she saw him.
Howard then approached a North Miami Beach police officer and informed them that he had the victim's luggage in a shopping cart.
In a statement to the police, Howard claimed that he noticed the woman walking along the road and asked if she needed help.
Howard told police that after the woman accepted his offer, he intended to assist her until the morning and had found a cart to transport her damaged luggage.
However, Howard denied any attempt to kiss the victim and maintained that their interaction was brief, telling police that he advised the victim to go to Wawa as she needed to use the bathroom.
Police conducted a search of Howard and discovered narcotics in his possession, including cocaine, which were consistent with a "street sell."
Howard, who was on probation for burglary and grand theft charges, was detained and transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on charges of kidnapping, strong-armed robbery, possession of cocaine, and battery.