Investigators said the woman escaped, reached her vehicle and alerted nearby deputies after fighting off her attacker.
HOUSTON, TX — A 19-year-old man has been arrested after a woman reported that she was sexually assaulted and nearly drowned while exercising along White Oak Bayou, Harris County authorities said Tuesday.
Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen identified the suspect as Jacoby Fuselier. Investigators said the attack happened at about 6:30 p.m. Monday near the 7000 block of Bent Branch Drive in the Inwood area. The woman, who is in her 20s, told deputies that a stranger attacked her along the bayou, sexually assaulted her and attempted to drown her before she fought him off and escaped.
The woman reached a vehicle and flagged down Precinct 1 deputies who were patrolling nearby, according to investigators. She was later taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities did not release details 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 attacker’s description had ridden a bicycle through the area and whistled at another woman. The man reportedly left after that woman’s husband confronted him.
A resident later saw the man again and contacted authorities, investigators said. Deputies found the suspect, who allegedly tried to flee on his bicycle and resisted officers before being taken into custody at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, roughly six hours after the attack was reported.
Investigators said Fuselier had the woman’s cellphone and other evidence connected to the reported assault when deputies arrested him. Authorities also said injuries the woman inflicted while defending herself, including an injury near the attacker’s eye and missing hair, helped investigators identify the suspect.
Rosen said other law enforcement agencies are investigating whether Fuselier could be connected to additional incidents in the Houston area. He did not identify those agencies or provide information about the other cases. No connection to another crime has been established publicly.
Rosen also said Fuselier had previously been arrested by Precinct 1 deputies in a firearm theft case and was convicted. Harris County court records listed a felony evading-arrest case filed against Fuselier on Tuesday. Authorities said resisting-arrest and additional charges related to the woman’s allegations were possible as investigators continued gathering evidence.
The case is expected to be presented to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office for a decision on further charges. Fuselier is accused but has not been convicted in connection with the White Oak Bayou attack. The investigation remained active Tuesday.
Author note: Last updated July 14, 2026.