Man charged for attempted rape in las cruces

LAS CRUCEZ, NM – Las Cruces police arrested a man suspected of beating and attempting to rape a woman Monday morning at the business where she worked. Jermilo Juan Larkins, 35, is charged with one count each of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and attempted criminal sexual penetration.

Both charges are third-degree felonies.Shortly before 10 a.m. Monday, April 26, Las Cruces police were dispatched to a used car dealership on the 1300 block of north Main Street. Employees of the dealership told police that a woman ran into their business pleading for help.

The woman was bleeding from her mouth, had a broken tibia and various other abrasions.

The woman was transported to a local hospital. Her injuries are not life-threatening.

Investigators learned the woman was working alone at a massage business on the 1300 block of north Main Street when Larkins entered and walked through the building as if he were looking for someone. Investigators learned Larkin then began punching the woman.

The woman told police she assumed Larkin was there to commit a robbery, so she tried to give him money. Instead, Larkins continued to batter the woman and stomped on her right leg fracturing her tibia. Investigators learned Larkins then tried to rape the woman.

The woman was able to escape and run to a nearby used car dealership where she sought help.

Las Cruces police were at the business, investigating the incident, when Larkins returned to the scene. He was immediately detained and subsequently booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center. He is initially being held without bond.

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