A Idaho man stands accused of breaking into a woman's home in the middle of the night and allegedly attempting to sexually assault her while she slept, authorities said.
Tyler Humphries, 39, has been charged with attempted rape, attempted strangulation, domestic violence battery and burglary following the incident that occurred around 3 a.m. on July 16 in Bonneville County, Idaho, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by East Idaho News.
Background
The alleged attack began when the victim woke up to find Humphries standing over her with his pants down, according to police documents. The woman told investigators she was asleep in her home when she suddenly awoke to discover the intruder directly above her.
Court records indicate that before the assault began, Humphries allegedly made a disturbing statement, telling the victim he "was going to rape her until she told him the truth," law enforcement wrote in the affidavit.
The Investigation
Police say Humphries then got on top of the woman and attempted to sexually assault her. When the victim screamed for help, investigators allege Humphries covered her mouth with his hand and began choking her.
The victim's throat "felt like it was burning" following the attack, she told police. She managed to escape Humphries's grasp and fled to a room where a child was sleeping.
According to the affidavit, the child in the residence wrapped the victim in a blanket and confronted Humphries inside the home. Authorities allege that during this confrontation, Humphries slammed the child against a wall before fleeing the scene.
When officers responded to the incident, they observed bruising on the victim's thigh. She was transported to a hospital where medical personnel documented that her airway had been dangerously compromised and was at risk of closing.
The Charges
Humphries was arrested later that morning when he returned to the residence, according to authorities. Upon his arrest, officers allegedly discovered marijuana and a glass pipe consistent with methamphetamine use in his possession.
During police interviews, Humphries initially claimed he was only attempting to "cuddle" with the victim, according to the affidavit. He later admitted to assaulting her, investigators said.
The exact nature of the relationship between Humphries and the victim was not immediately clear from court documents.
Humphries remains in custody at the Bonneville County Jail without bond following his arrest on multiple felony charges.
Key Takeaways
- Tyler Humphries, 39, has been charged with attempted rape, attempted strangulation, domestic violence battery and burglary
- The alleged attack occurred around 3 a.m. on July 16 when the victim woke to find Humphries standing over her
- A child was present in a nearby room during the assault; authorities allege Humphries threw the child against a wall before fleeing
- Medical personnel determined the victim's airway was at risk of closing due to strangulation injuries
- Humphries told investigators he intended to "cuddle" with the victim, later admitting to assaulting her
What's Next
Humphries is scheduled to appear in court on July 31 for his initial hearing. He remains held at the Bonneville County Jail as the investigation continues.