Man arrested in attempted sex assault

A man was arrested after he admitted he tried to rape a 17-year-old Mesa girl.

Police arrested Fernando K. Dedman, 19, of Tempe on suspicion of attempted sexual assault, burglary, kidnapping and sexual abuse.

According to court records, the girl was walking into her apartment near Southern Avenue and Alma School Road about 11 p.m. Wednesday when a stranger grabbed her by the waist and mouth and forced his way into the apartment. The girl said the man then forced her into a bedroom, pushed her onto the bed and got on top of her. He then touched her and kissed her, court records said.

Court records said the girl told the attacker to stop and to leave, and she tried to hit, scratch and kick him, but he continued to hold her down and keep her quiet. The girl said the stranger then stopped and left.

Patrol officers found the man in the area, based on a description the girl had given police. The girl identified the man, and he was taken into custody.

Court records said the man initially denied the attack, but then admitted he had seen the girl get off a bus and decided to follow her.