Boise Police officers have arrested a man they say sexually assaulted a woman early Sunday morning –- the arrest coming one day after authorities released a composite sketch of the suspect.
After media coverage of the assault, officers received a citizen tip which has led to the arrest of Joseph F. Purcell, 35, of Boise. He was booked into the Ada County Jail for forcible penetration with a foreign object and burglary. Both are felonies.
He's behind bars in connection with a sexual assault that happened on in a home on Manitou Ave. near Boise State on Sunday.
Officers say they received the tip after the release of a composite sketch on Wednesday and that tip ultimately helped officers find evidence that led them to Purcell.
“We would like to thank the immediate help from the citizens of Boise, as well as the BPD sketch artist for their assistance in bringing this suspect into custody,” said BPD Special Victim’s Unit Sergeant Darren Mitchell. “That community assistance and the cooperation of the victim and detectives working together put a lot of minds at ease now that this arrest has been made.”
Purcell is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Friday.
