Miami Police have arrested a man wanted for a sexual assault and an attempted kidnapping that was caught on camera in Little Haiti, officials said Wednesday.
Tavares Anthony Canty, 34, was taken into custody in the 6600 block of Northwest 24th Avenue. He was ordered held without bond at a court hearing on Thursday.
Police released surveillance video of Thursday's kidnapping attempt at the woman's home. The video shows the woman, whose face is blurred, attempting to enter her home when she is quickly approached and assaulted by the suspect. After a tense encounter, she flees to the street – seeking help.
She returns home seconds later and closes her door, but fails to lock it before the suspect rushes to her home and opens the door. After another brief scuffle, the woman escapes again and the suspect leaves the scene.
After that incident, Canty allegedly made his way inside another victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while armed with a handgun.
One witness said they saw Canty walking down the sidewalk hours before he was caught Wednesday. Neighbors said they were glad he was in custody.
"It was very scary and traumatizing going to sleep knowing there was a rapist out there that could break in and take advantage of us," Shanica Williams said. "Thumbs up to City of Miami and Metro Dade that they apprehended him, we can sleep a lot more peaceful tonight knowing he's in jail."
It's unknown what exact charges Canty will face.
