SHARONVILLE, Ohio – A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly robbing and sexually assaulting a Subway employee at gunpoint in Sharonville on Thursday.
Police reported that the assault took place at a Subway on Mosteller Road. Officers responded to the incident at 7:15 a.m.
Leyard Eckis, 20, has been charged with rape and aggravated robbery. He was taken into custody and transported to the Hamilton County Justice Center.
According to court records, the victim was entering the store for work when Eckis allegedly followed her inside. He is accused of assaulting her and forcing her to open the cash register before stealing money.
Officers located Eckis hiding at a United Dairy Farmers location just north of the Subway. It is believed he fled the scene on a bicycle.
Court documents state that Eckis confessed to the police during questioning, admitting to sexual contact with the victim and taking money from the business.
However, during his court appearance on Friday, Eckis contradicted the confession attributed to him by police, pleading not guilty to both charges. His bond was set at $100,000.
Police revealed that Eckis is of Micronesian descent and homeless. Investigators are seeking additional information about him and the victim and are urging anyone with knowledge to come forward.
Those with information about the crime or Eckis can contact Lieutenant Walter Cordes of the Sharonville Police Department at 513-563-1147.