MIAMI SPRINGS, Fla. – Police have made an arrest following an alarming attacking on a woman inside a South Florida smoke shop.
Authorities said Tyrone Armbrister, 30, turned himself in to Miami Springs police over the weekend.
On Monday, the victim in the attack expressed gratitude and joy knowing her attacker was behind bars.
“It’s going to definitely leave me a mark forever,” the victim, Aiihleen, told Local 10 News’ Rosh Lowe.
She survived the attempted rape by fighting off Armbrister with her fists and a plunger. The attack was caught on surveillance video.
Now she said she is glad that he is in custody and thankful for the support that she received after the incident.
“I was grateful with God and everyone that worked toward it,” she said. “You guys, the police, Miami Springs police was amazing.”
While being taken to jail, Armbrister told Local 10 News that he was intoxicated during the assault.
He also suggested that someone may have put something in his drink, which caused him to act the way he did.
“My sincere apology,” he said. “I hope that she’s OK. I came back because someone has to take responsibility. I made a mistake by drinking too much and that’s where I slipped up. I allowed something to be put in my drink, not paying attention.”
Armbrister was asked by Local 10′s Cody Weddle if he had ever committed a similar act.
“No,” he replied. “That’s why it shocked me when I saw the video.”
The victim said she also had heard about Armbrister’s apology and alleged reasoning behind his action.
“Drugs don’t do that to a person, it’s more of a moral thing,” she said.
Armbrister is expected back in court on Tuesday.