A man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old near a park in Fort Myers.
In 2023, a homeless woman in the park called 911 after reporting seeing the man dragging the victim into the woods.
The Fort Myers Police Department arrived on the scene and saw Thayer Van Evans get on a bicycle and flee.
Police said he rode onto a bike path along the lake, and officers chased him on foot before taking him into custody.
Evans was also searched, and police found cocaine in his possession.
According to a news release from the State Attorney's Office, the victim was taken by FMPD to a hospital and a sexual assault kit was conducted.
Officials said Evans' DNA was found on the victim.
The 911 call made by the woman was key evidence in the case, according to the State Attorney's Office.
Evans was convicted of two counts of unlawful sexual activity, resisting an officer without violence and possession of cocaine.
His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 19.