Columbia man charged with attempted rape on MKT Trail
Editor's note: This story was updated after more information was revealed.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Columbia man was charged with attempted rape on Tuesday after allegedly trying to sexually assault two women Monday on the MKT Trail in the 800 block of Stadium Boulevard.
Michael Tyrone Council Jr., 30, is charged with two counts of first-degree attempted rape and second-degree property damage. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond.
Columbia police made contact with one of the alleged victims at a parking lot of the MKT Trail at 800 Stadium Boulevard. She allegedly told police that she was jogging on the MKT Trail, heading east towards the parking lot when Council approached her, according to the probable cause statement.
Council allegedly asked her for a drink of water and chased the woman when she tried to run past him, the statement says. She allegedly told police she was afraid and tried to get away as fast as she could.
The police officer was made aware that Council was allegedly attacking another woman and other residents were trying to stop him. Council was detained as soon as the officer arrived, according to the probable cause statement.
Another alleged victim said she was walking on the MKT Trail with three other people and say Council on a park bench. After walking past Council, he allegedly got behind the victim, she pushed Council away and he tackled her. While on the ground, Council tried to disrobe the victim, according to the probable cause statement.
Other residents helped when the victim screamed for help and gave her enough time to run away, according to the probable cause statement. Police observed blood and scratches on the woman.
Two people who were riding their bikes told police they saw Council attacking the woman and intervened.
Council allegedly told police he tackled the woman to have intercourse with her. The probable cause statement claims Council previously showed his genitalia to strangers walking on the trail.
