Wilmington – The Delaware State Police have arrested a Dover man in connection with a sexual assault incident that took place in North Wilmington.

The incident occurred on Saturday, September 15, 2018, when a woman and her female friend, were seeking transportation from Dover to their respective residences. At approximately 10:00 a.m., while still in Dover, they were offered and accepted a ride from an unknown black male who was operating a black, unknown make and model 4 door vehicle. After driving north from Dover, the Wilmington woman was dropped off near Wilmington as planned. The other woman remained in the vehicle in anticipation of being driven to her home as agreed upon. Instead of continuing on to her home, the male suspect pulled in to the Merchant Square Shopping Center located in the 4000 block of Governor Printz Boulevard, Wilmington, at which time he demanded sex from the female victim, which she refused.

The suspect then drove to a secluded area, where he parked and forcibly took the victim’s two cell phones from her possession. The suspect then forcibly removed the victim from the vehicle and proceeded to sexually assault her. The suspect proceeded to tell the victim that he was going to kill her, at which time he dragged the victim by her neck and proceeded to submerge her into a body of water that was nearby.  After the suspect had left the area in his vehicle the victim was able to flag down a passing motorist who allowed her to use a phone to call 911. The victim was transported to an area hospital where she was treated for serious injuries.

Through investigative measures, 47-year-old Frank D. Bowden was developed as a suspect.  On Friday, September 28, 2018, Bowden turned himself into police and was charged with the following:

• Attempt to Commit Murder First Degree
• Rape First Degree
• Robbery Second Degree
• Terroristic Threatening

Bowden was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $205,500.00 cash only bond.

Because of the sensitive nature of this case, and in consideration for the victim, only limited information will be released.

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2018/09/19/troopers-conducting-sexual-assault-investigation-north-wilmington/

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released:092818 2053

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