Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Woman At Goodale Park Previously Charged With Rape

A man accused of raping a woman near Downtown Columbus was ordered held on $250,000 bond Friday.

Police arrested Abbas Ali in connection with the alleged crime on Thursday. Ali, 24, was charged with rape, kidnapping and robbery.

Police said that the victim was out with some people at a restaurant on Park Street when she separated from the group and walked back to her car, through Goodale Park. Investigators said that her attacker came out of nowhere and sexually assaulted her in her car.

Detective Mark Green said that Ali grabbed the woman’s throat with one hand and then sexually assaulted her.

“Following a brief struggle, Mr. Ali stole the victim’s cell phone and other items and fled the area,” Green said.

The woman was able to get a good look at him and give police a description that led them to him.

Court records revealed that last year, Ali was charged with rape, kidnapping and aggravated robbery. For unknown reasons, the case was dismissed.

Prior to those charges, Ali was charged with theft, criminal mischief and operating a vehicle while under the influence.

Goodale Park is always a hot spot for people looking for exercise as well as peace and quiet. Park frequenters could not believe that a vicious crime occurred nearby.

"I feel like it's always pretty safe but when you hear something like that it makes you think twice," Park-goer Sarah Sheriff said.

"When you're in the area you've just got to keep your guard up. It's not very reassuring but just got to keep looking around and probably avoid it if you think it's dangerous," Brian Thurow said.

The judge ordered Ali to wear an ankle monitoring bracelet if he posts bond.

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