An Arizona man is facing serious felony charges after a Prairie View A&M University student told police he held a gun to her head and sexually assaulted her during spring break in Houston's Midtown. The 19-year-old was able to escape, and officers moved in after a brief chase that wrapped up in the early morning hours, according to investigators.
Allegations From A Night Out In Midtown
Houston police say the student met 36-year-old Royce Marques Pinkston at a Midtown bar while she was out for spring break. Investigators allege Pinkston drove her away from the bar, then sexually assaulted her after pulling a gun and pressing it to her head.
According to police, the victim managed to place a covert call to a friend during the ordeal. That friend alerted authorities. The student later escaped the vehicle and told responding officers she had been raped. Officers say they found a gun in Pinkston's car and that he led them on a short pursuit before being taken into custody around 5:45 a.m. Thursday, according to KHOU.
Pinkston was booked on charges of aggravated sexual assault and evading arrest. Authorities set a combined bond of $140,000. He posted bond and was released from custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 14, KHOU reports.
How The Student Reached Police
The victim told investigators she and Pinkston were strangers before they met that night at the Midtown bar. She later informed an officer that she had been raped, according to the police report cited by KHOU.
Felony Charges And Possible Penalties
Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony in Texas and can lead to decades in prison. Evading arrest is a third-degree felony that also carries potential prison time.
Under Texas law, a first-degree felony is punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and fines up to $10,000. A third-degree felony is punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, according to the Texas Penal Code.
Student Safety And Support Resources
Police say the student was on spring break when the alleged assault occurred, a pointed reminder of how quickly a night out away from campus can turn dangerous.
Survivors seeking confidential support can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or use the online chat option through RAINN.
Houston police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the department. Pinkston's next court date is set for May 14.
