SAN MARCOS, Texas — Police have arrested a suspect related to several recent sexual assault crimes in San Marcos.
20-year-old Tyshane Vris Thomas was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault.
Police say a concerned citizen reported a suspicious backpack at the Sanctuary Loft Apartments in the 300 block of North Street.
Inside the backpack, police found a black mask and black hooded sweatshirt along with a BB pistol and several articles of women's clothing. Police say the backpack was also labeled with Thomas's name. Thomas - a resident at the apartment complex - was brought San Marcos police headquarters and questioned by police.
Police say during questioning Thomas confessed to three sexual assault crimes.
Authorities said the first incident happened on April 24 at the Cottages of San Marcos where one woman was assaulted.
Another incident occurred on May 2 at The Retreat, where police said the suspect bound the victims and sexually assaulted the two victims for close to three hours.
Following the May 2 incident, police released a sketch of a suspect.
Police say Thomas attended Texas State University through the fall of 2018, where he studied criminal justice. Bail has not been set. Police say their investigation is ongoing.
In a statement, Chief Chase Stapp praised the work of investigators:
“This is a stellar example of the outstanding and tireless work done on a daily basis by members of this department. It is also a great example of the effective relationships we have with our state and local partners. We are very thankful for the assistance we have received from the Texas Rangers and the FBI Central Texas Violent Crimes Task Force. We are also indebted to the observant citizen who decided to report something that was obviously suspicious and ultimately provided the break needed in this case.”