The Chowchilla Police Department announced Tuesday the arrest of a man accused of sexual assault and the attempted murder of a minor.

On Aug. 1, officers responded to an early morning call at a residential complex on the 200 block of Washington Road. According to Chief Joshua Palmer, the assault occurred in a commonly shared laundry room. Responders discovered that the victim had been sexually assaulted, had their throat slashed, and had been knocked unconscious.

Despite their injuries, the survivor managed to gather themselves and call the police.

“The reason the attempt was unsuccessful is that the suspect underestimated the victim’s strength. He counted wrong. In fact, the victim was so strong they were able to pick themselves up and report what had happened,” Chief Palmer said.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Arthur Dean Knapp, is now facing multiple charges, including:

• Rape by force or fear of immediate injury
• Sexual penetration of a victim aged 14 or older
• Assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm or great bodily injury force
• Unlawful threats resulting in death or great bodily injury
• Parole violation

Evidence collected at a medical facility was submitted to the Department of Justice for DNA analysis, which identified Knapp as the perpetrator.

“It took us time to file this case because we wanted to ensure that the investigation was thorough and that we had the evidence needed to press charges,” said Sally O. Moreno, district attorney for Madera County.

Knapp could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.

According to Chowchilla Officer Emily Huckabee, the survivor is currently safe with their family.

“Cases like this should never happen to our children; when they do, every asset, investigative tool, and personnel are utilized to bring justice to the victims,” Chief Palmer added.