Valdosta man indicted for allegedly raping woman at knifepoint

July 6, 2017

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WCTV) – A grand jury has indicted a Valdosta man for allegedly raping a woman at knifepoint, according to court documents.

Mike Anthony Thomas Jr., 31, was indicted Friday by a Superior Court of Lowndes County grand jury for aggravated battery, kidnapping, rape, aggravated assault and violating a family violence order, documents stated.

The charges stem from an incident back on December 29, when an emergency 911 call was received from a passing motorist on W. Gordon Street.

The motorist reported that an injured woman had desperately waved him and his passenger down asking for help. The motorist stopped to assist the woman and called 911.

Valdosta Police Department officers responded to the scene and made contact with the woman. She told officers that a former acquaintance had assaulted her and had just fled the area.

The victim reported that the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Mike Anthony Thomas Jr, who had been released from state prison in August, had come over to the victim’s residence. An argument began between the two and then Thomas began attacking the victim.

The victim reported that the offender, in addition to punching and kicking her, dragged her into another room and raped her. The victim also stated that the offender cut her with a knife during the assault.

Detectives responded to the scene to assist in the investigation and immediately put out a “BOLO” or “Be On the Look Out” through the computer system connecting all local law enforcement agencies.

Within approximately two hours, investigators were able to track the offender to a residence in the 1500 block of N Forrest Street where he was taken into custody and booked into the Lowndes County Jail.

“The vicious nature of this case is shocking and no one should have to endure such a terrible situation. The Valdosta Police Department commends the victim for having the courage to come forward and assist law enforcement in arresting this violent individual. The actions of the two ‘good Samaritans’ who initially stopped to assist the victim were greatly appreciated,” said VPD Lt. Adam Bembry.

December 30, 2016

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WCTV) -- Valdosta Police have arrested 31-year-old Mike Anthony Thomas, Jr. on felony rape charges.

Thomas is accused of meeting with the victim at her place of residence on December 29 and assaulting the victim before fleeing on foot.

The victim reported that in addition to being punched and kicked, she was dragged into another room and was sexually assaulted. The victim also said that Thomas cut her with a knife during the assault.

Within two hours, authorities were able to track down Thomas at the 1500 block North Forrest Street where he was taken into custody.

Thomas had recently been released from state prison in August.