Homeless Man Arrested After 99-Year-Old Conway Woman Fights Off Home Intruder

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Conway police have taken a 34-year-old man into custody following an alleged home invasion and sexual assault that targeted a 99-year-old woman over the weekend. The suspect, identified by authorities as Matthew Jayce Turk, faces multiple felony charges after the victim reportedly fought off the intruder inside her residence.

According to the Conway Police Department, officers responded to a burglary call in the 1800 block of Washington Avenue early Saturday. The location of the incident is situated less than two blocks northwest of the Hendrix College campus. The victim told investigators she awoke to find an unknown man inside her home and engaged in a physical struggle with him before he fled the scene.

The investigation into the Conway home burglary and sexual assault quickly led authorities to the suspect. Officers identified Turk as the individual involved and apprehended him at the Faulkner County Library. Police stated that Turk is believed to be from the Kansas City, Missouri, area and had reportedly been in Conway for approximately two weeks. Authorities have noted that he has no known connections to the local community.

Charges and Legal Status

Following his arrest, Turk was booked into the Faulkner County jail. According to the Conway Police Department’s official social media updates, he faces three significant felony charges:

• Aggravated residential burglary
• Second-degree battery
• Second-degree sexual assault

Police confirmed that Turk sustained injuries during the altercation with the victim on Saturday. He was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment before being processed at the county detention facility. As of the latest reports, he is being held without bond.

The victim, while reportedly suffering minor injuries during the struggle, declined medical attention at the scene, according to information provided by the Conway Police Department.

Investigation and Community Response

While the investigation remains active, law enforcement has not disclosed further details regarding how Turk gained entry to the home or if any specific motive has been established beyond the charges filed.

Photo: arkansasonline.com

In other areas of the region, such as North Little Rock and Little Rock, officials have recently promoted firearm safety programs, including the distribution of free gun locks, to assist residents in securing their homes.

This report is based on information provided by the Conway Police Department and reporting from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

This article provides factual information based on official police reports and is intended for informational purposes.

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