HUNT arrests sexual assault suspect evading police
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ALPENA — The Huron Undercover Narcotics Team on Thursday aided in the arrest of a 32-year-old East Tawas man wanted for criminal sexual conduct and several other offenses.
The Iosco County Prosecutor issued a 21-count warrant for the man's arrest on June 28. Although police tried to arrest the suspect multiple times, police were unsuccessful in arresting him.
Police asked HUNT to track down the suspect after advanced surveillance techniques revealed the suspect was in the Alpena area, apparently on foot and making himself scarce, according to police.
Police learned on Thursday that the suspect was on a beach in a desolate area near Alpena. HUNT requested help from the Alpena County Sheriff's Office's drone team and the Michigan State Police – Alpena Post canine team.
The suspect was located hiding in a tent and arrested by HUNT members. He had been making his way north along the shoreline using a kayak to evade arrest, according to police.
The arrest stems from a sexual assault investigation involving an 11-year-old girl. A trooper from the Michigan State Police on June 25 was contacted by an officer from the East Tawas Police department regarding the investigation.
Police said the victim alleged the sexual abuse had been occurring since she was 9 years old and that the man allegedly threatened to kill the girl if she told anyone about the abuse.
Police said they have not released the suspect's name because he had not yet been arraigned.