Woman says man sexually assaulted her in downtown Pittsburgh, South Side

PITTSBURGH — A homeless man is facing several charges after a woman claims he sexually assaulted her twice in one night and threatened her, according to a criminal complaint.

The complaint states that Christian Henderson brought the woman Monday night into an alleyway off East Carson Street on Pittsburgh’s South Side and sexually assaulted her. The woman told police that Henderson threw away her phone so she couldn’t call anyone for help.

The victim told police that Henderson threatened her, saying, “Don't tell anyone about this or I will kill you,” and “You are never going to see your mother again. I am going to sell you for prostitution.”

According to the complaint, the victim said she feared for her life if she didn’t follow Henderson, so they walked across the 10th Street Bridge toward downtown Pittsburgh, walking about a mile to Mellon Square Park. The woman said Henderson sexually assaulted her again, but she was able to scream and ran toward the Omni William Penn Hotel.

The criminal complaint said workers at hotel came to the woman's aid, while the manager and security guards chased after Henderson before losing him.

Officers were able to apprehend Henderson at the intersection of Oliver Avenue and Grant Street.

He’s facing three charges, including robbery, intimidating a witness and terrorist threats.

Cox Media Group