BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The 25-year-old man facing a felony attempted rape charge groped and choked a 50-year-old woman after she entered an empty apartment in Southwest Bakersfield, court documents detailed.

According to a Bakersfield Police Officer, on December 3 around 11:15 a.m. the woman entered the empty apartment on Ming Avenue. That's when Byron Willis reportedly grabbed her from behind and "groped her breast over her clothing."

Court documents also said that when the victim initially tried to escape the apartment, Willis prevented her from leaving. Police said Willis placed both hands around the woman's neck choking her before he attempted to remove her pants. The woman reportedly yelled for Willis to stop before she kicked him in the groin, escaped his grasp and ran out the door.

After BPD released Willis' composite to the public, two citizens police who were then able to place him in a photo line-up. The victim identified Willis as the man who allegedly attempted to rape her.