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Police: Man Rapes 93-Year-Old

Woman Activates Medical Alert Bracelet To Summon Help

POSTED: 12:17 pm MST March 21, 2008
UPDATED: 8:39 am MST March 23, 2008

A 28-year-old Mesa man has been arrested in connection with the rape of a 93-year-old woman who activated her medical alert bracelet to summon help from her family, police said.

Peter Cupis was booked on two counts of sexual assault, one count of kidnapping to commit a sexual offense, one count of burglary and one count of sexual abuse.

The victim suffered physical injuries during the struggle and received medical treatment, police said.

Investigators said they believe that Cupis gained entry into the victim's home through a side door Thursday evening.

The victim heard the noise at the door, went to investigate and was immediately attacked, detectives said.

A family member who arrived after responding to the medical alert prevented Cupis from leaving the home, police said.

Officer arrived and took Cupis into custody without further incident.

Cupis told officers that he was trying to help the victim after he saw her walking outside of her home, police said.

Investigators said they gathered evidence to support that an attack did occur and that Cupis was the perpetrator.

Police have requested that Cupis be held without bond due to the violent nature of the offense and the fact that he lives in the same neighborhood as the victim.

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