CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WJAR) — Cumberland police said a man accused of sexual assault was arrested as he attempted to board an international flight in New York.
Police said they had a warrant out for 27-year-old Assad Awan, of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
He is facing charges of two counts of first-degree domestic sexual assault, two counts of domestic assault by strangulation, two counts of domestic simple assault/battery and two counts of domestic disorderly conduct, officials said.
Cumberland police said the incident was not a random act and the victim was personally known by Awan and was a juvenile at the time of the alleged crime.
According to police, Awan was taken into custody at JFK International Airport on July 11.
He was returned to Rhode Island over the weekend and was arraigned earlier this week, officials said.
Cumberland police said Awan is being held without bail at the ACI.
Police said Awan is a part-owner of Anis Pizza and Seafood at 1182 High St. in Cumberland.
“We are incredibly thankful for the collaborative efforts of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force (VFTF) and the excellent work of the Detectives and assisting patrol units for the Cumberland Police. The outcome of this investigation produced the safe and timely apprehension of an individual believed to be responsible for vile and despicable criminal conduct with a juvenile,” Cumberland Police Chief Matthew Benson said.