A man who had been recently fired from a carnival that was in Casper this past weekend, is accused of trying to mug a woman under a bridge.

Thirty one year old Jesus Rodriguez has been charged with one count of robbery.

Investigators with the Casper Police Department say at around 8pm on Sunday, May 29th, officers were dispatched to the area of First and Poplar Streets to meet the victim, who said she had been attacked on the bike trail under the bridge.

She said she was running westbound when she felt someone grab her from behind and throw her to the ground.

She stated that her attacker grabbed her running belt in an attempt to steal it, but he was not successful, and she was able to get away.

Officers noted scrapes on the victim's leg that suggested she had fallen to the ground.

Shortly before the attack, another person was going the opposite way on the bike trial with her family, and observed Rodriguez behind them, following them, and acting suspicious.

When they all passed the victim, Rodriguez turned around and followed her instead.

When interviewed, Rodriguez said he was out for a jog, was recently jumped by two men because of his affiliation with a gang, and denied any wrong doing.

A portable breath test showed that he had a blood alcohol concentration of .212 at the time.

Prosecutors noted that Rodriguez has prior felony convictions of aggravated assault and robbery.

He is awaiting trial on $250,000 bond, and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

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