A routine Saturday chore at a Salt Lake apartment complex ended in a terrifying ordeal when a 39-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in the laundry room, according to Honolulu police. Officers say a 31-year-old man ran from the scene, got into a struggle with a bystander, and was found and taken into custody about 25 minutes later.
According to the Star-Advertiser, the woman had been doing laundry when the assault occurred and neighbors called 911. The outlet reports that officers tracked the suspect to a nearby building and made the arrest at 941 Ala Lilikoi Street in Salt Lake.
Police records show arrest and charges
The Honolulu Police Department’s public arrest log identifies the arrestee as 31-year-old Nafetalai Teisina and lists the alleged offenses as “Sex Assault 3” (HRS 707‑732) and “Assault 3” (HRS 707‑0712), according to the HPD arrest log. The document also names Officer Tavita Alii Woodard as the arresting officer.
What the charges mean
Under Hawaii law, sexual assault in the third degree is defined in HRS §707‑732 and is classified as a class C felony. Assault in the third degree (HRS 707‑0712) is generally treated as a misdemeanor. Prosecutors will review the case and decide whether to file formal charges; an arrest is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Next steps
Honolulu police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact the department. The arrest log includes a custody confirmation notice and a phone number for inquiries; see the HPD arrest log for details.
