Police question man arrested in robbery about Provo rape

PROVO — Police say a man arrested for investigation of an armed robbery may also have been involved in Wednesday's brutal rape and attempted murder in Provo.

Shawn Leonard, 33, was arrested at 4 p.m. Friday after police found him with a car stolen during a robbery on Wednesday at the Riverwoods Mall, said Provo Police Capt. Cliff Argyle.

The robbery victim, a store clerk at the Trendy Tots store where the robbery occurred, identified Leonard, according to a police statement.

When brought to the Provo Police Department, Leonard was asked about the rape and attempted murder of a woman near her Provo apartment Wednesday.

Leonard refused to answer questions but police say he matches the description provided by the rape victim.

"His physical description does match the description of the suspect in that rape due to his build, his age and what's been given to us by the victim," said Provo Police Sgt. Mark Crosby. Tattoos on Leonard's arms also match the description, Crosby said.

When she is able, the woman injured in Wednesday's attack will be asked if she can identify Leonard, Crosby said.

Argyle said that more information on why Leonard is considered a suspect would not be released because it could compromise the police investigation.

Leonard has not been charged with anything related to the rape and attempted homicide.

Police are still seeking more information about the attack, which occurred on the walking trail next to Branbury Apartments.

Anyone with information about the attack can call 801-852-6210.

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