Local man accused of raping a teenager

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A Somerton man is behind bars after being accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

The Somerton Police Department (SPD) said the suspect actually called them to the scene acting like he was the victim, alleging someone was assaulting him.

Officers said it was a witness that knew the victim.

Then the situation took a turn because officers said they discovered the suspect, Carlos Acosta was allegedly forcing a teenage girl to have sex with him.

Somerton Police said Acosta knew the victim and asked her twice to go into his home. SPD added the victim told him no both times and that's when police say he forced her inside.

"The second time that she’s going by his apartment, that’s when she gets pulled in by him. She gets practically just grabbed by the arm," explained Chief Araceli Juarez. “We haven’t had a sexual assault in a long time.”

The incident happened near Union Avenue and Cano Street in Somerton early Sunday morning, according to SPD.

SPD added the victim is okay.

Acosta is expected back in court tomorrow to find out if he will be formally charged. He is being held on a $500,000 cash bond.