Reagan National Airport (web | news) - Passengers and workers at Reagan National Airport remain on edge after a woman was severely beaten and nearly raped in a bathroom Saturday afternoon.

The victim, an airport employee, walked into a women's restroom in a little-used part of the airport about 1 p.m. Saturday. According to police, the suspect, 19-year-old Vincent Griffith, was waiting in the stall. The 5' 11", 140 pound man attacked her, threatening to kill her if she did not have sex with him, according to court documents.

The victim fought back and tried to escape. Griffith shoved, punched and choked the victim, according to charging documents. She suffered laceration, bruising and contusions.

Two U.S. Air Marshals who were passing by the bathroom heard the victim scream and intervened. They rushed into the bathroom and pinned the assailant until authorities arrived. Griffith was arrested at the scene.

According to charging documents, Griffith told the arresting officer that, "I did not rape her but I attempted to rape her."

The victim was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The attack happened in the old section of the airport, off a corridor connecting the main terminal with Terminal A. The area is outside of the Transportation Security Administration's screening area.

"It's a long walk from the other terminal," traveler Tammy Haygood said. "It was kind of creepy and quiet -- not many people."

"The thought that there aren't that many people around and something like this could happen is unbelievable to me," passenger Mary Swensik said, adding she was "very frightened" by the incident.

Griffith remains jailed on charges of attempted rape and drug possession. He is scheduled to be in court next month.

 

 

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