A 56-year-old homeless man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of sexual assault, aggravated assault and false imprisonment after luring a woman into his encampment, according to Cottonwood Police.
The woman reported to Cottonwood Police Wednesday night that she had been sexually assaulted by Carmen Amato after he lured her over to his campsite saying that he had food for her dogs, police said.
Cottonwood Police Sgt. Monica Kuhlt said Amato and the victim knew each other but could not disclose the specifics of their relationship.
Kuhlt said Amato has had contact with law enforcement in the past but he was never charged with anything.
Police found Amato in a desert area north of the 76 Gas station on State Route 260, according to police. He was taken into custody without incident, Kuhlt said.
“The victim was assaulted at Amato’s campsite and he was still there when officers went there,” she said.
Kelcie Grega can be reached at 634-8551, or email kgrega@larsonnewspapers.com
