Arrest made after a woman was attacked in a Poplar Bluff Hotel

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. (KBSI) – A man is in custody for sexual assault.

According to Poplar Bluff Police Department on November 30th, 2024, at around 11:46 a.m., officers of the Poplar Bluff Police Department responded to a reported sexual assault at the Holiday Inn, located at 2781 North Westwood Boulevard.

Officers arrived and learned that the victim, who was attending an event at the business, was attacked by a man in the women’s restroom.

The victim, a 25-year-old resident of Dexter, Missouri, ultimately fled from the suspect and alerted others to the situation. She was later transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the assault.

Upon a review of surveillance footage, a suspect was developed.

The Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776.

On December 3rd, 2024, the Poplar Bluff Police Department received information as to the identity and location of the suspect in this case.

Investigators made contact with the individual, and confirmed he was the suspect from the surveillance footage.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Austin Davis of Poplar Bluff, was taken into custody.

Davis was taken to the Butler County Justice Center pending the filing of formal charges.