Knoxville Police Department officers have arrested and charged a man who allegedly randomly assaulted a woman who was jogging in downtown Knoxville on Tuesday morning.
At just after 7 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, KPD officers responded to Market Square, where it was reported that a woman who was jogging through Market Square was randomly assaulted by an unknown man. The assault reportedly occurred near the Subway in Market Square. Multiple bystanders came to the woman’s aid and the woman was able to escape with only minor injuries. The suspect then ran from the scene prior to officer arrival.
Through coordinated investigation led by the KPD Violent Crimes Unit with assistance from Property Crimes Unit investigators, patrol officers and the Sex Offender Registry Detail, the identity of a possible suspect was quickly identified as 34-year-old Japa Goins. Goins, a registered sex offender, was located at the Probation and Parole Board on Elm Street at around 10 a.m. and was taken into custody for further investigation.
Goins admitted to the assault in an interview with VCU investigators. Charges are forthcoming for aggravated kidnapping and attempted rape. Additional charges are possible.
“I am incredibly proud of the great urgency and teamwork our investigators and patrol officers showed to bring this incident to an almost immediate resolution,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “I am also thankful for the bystanders who jumped in to help when help was needed. People should feel and be safe in every public space in our city, and we will respond quickly to address any actions or behavior that compromises that sense of safety.”