Tyler man charged with raping woman in woods

TYLER — A Tyler man has been arrested on several charges in an alleged rape and kidnapping. According to our news partner KETK, the crime took place last week after a woman said she was held against her will. Michael Timmons, 48, has been arrested after the victim accused him of the attack while she was being treated at a Tyler hospital. The warrant states Timmons and the victim had been living in a tent at the end of a dead-end road in Tyler. She told investigators, Timmons used quilts to partially cover up two tents that he set up away from public view while she was held captive. The victim told detectives he hit her over the head with a broken broom handle.

The warrant states the woman had injuries to her face, arms, and legs. There was also a laceration to her forehead and bruising and swelling to her right eye. The warrant also states that during repeated beatings, he threatened to kill and burn her and threatened to do thing to her family. The victim said he would continuously sexually assault her in the tent, despite her trying to fight him off.

The woman also accuses Timmons of making her take meth against her will and stated that he becomes violent when high. The victim told authorities that they would go find a way to clean up and charge their phone. When they came upon a Family Dollar store, she ran inside and pleaded for help. As she did this, Timmons ran off. Officer Andy Erbaugh with the Tyler Police Department said officers captured him later when he returned to the tent.