Worcester, MA (November 26, 2010) - On Thursday, November 25, 2010 at approximately 7:20 AM Worcester Police responded to 150 Chandler Street for a report of rape. Upon the officers' arrival they met with a male who informed police that he was operating his motor vehicle on Chandler Street when he was flagged down by a female at the intersection of Queen and Chandler Streets. The woman informed the man that she was raped and to call the police. The officer then met with the 27 year old victim and she explained to him that she was raped and strangled. The officer observed the victim to have some bruising which indicated that there was a physical altercation that had taken place. The victim was transported to a local hospital to be treated for her injuries.

While the ambulance was treating the victim, a citizen approached the officer and stated that the woman was screaming for help from an apartment located at 150 Chandler Street. At this time officers went to the apartment and had a conversation with a male identified as Anthony Gardner, 29 years old of 150 Chandler Street. Mr. Gardner provided information which made the officer believe that an assault had taken place in the apartment. At this time the Worcester Police Detective Bureau were called in to investigate the circumstances. Detectives also went to the hospital to interview the victim.

At this point in the investigation, information was obtained that the victim, who was acquainted with the suspect, got into an arguement with Mr. Gardner and at some point in the argument he began to strangle the victim and then raped her. Mr. Gardner was subsequently placed under arrest by the detectives and charged with Attempted Murder and Aggravated Rape; he will be arraigned at the Worcester County District Courthouse on Friday, November 26, 2010.

At this time the victim is in stable to good condition and is expected to be released later on the in day.

There is no additional information to be released at this time.