Suspect Arrested in a Tyler Attack

TYLER – A suspect has been arrested in an attack on a woman running in a Tyler park last week. He is James Earl Roberts Jr., 32, of Tyler. Investigators were able to locate a fingerprint on the victim’s phone that was found in the park by police that eventually led to the identity of Roberts. He is said to be the man who attacked a jogger at Rose Rudman Park. She was attacked around 7:30 last Thursday evening. The woman was running on the paved trail in the middle of the park when a black male grabbed her from behind and dragged her into a wooded area. Officials said the suspect attempted to sexually assault her as she fought and screamed to keep him away. The man fled on foot. Roberts has been charged with aggravated kidnapping. He is now in the Smith County Jail under a $350,000 bond.