An Oakhurst woman, nearly assaulted on Highway 41 in Oakhurst on Thursday, September 18, 2014 can rest easier, knowing the man who tried to attack her is behind bars.

Joshua Wayne Elliott, 21, of Madera, (who claimed he spent the night in the Oakhurst Cemetery), approached the victim shortly after 8AM, asking her for a cigarette. When she refused, he reportedly pulled a knife on her.

The 26-year old victim swung a grocery bag containing a large water bottle at the suspect, hitting him the hand that held the knife. The knife dropped to the ground, and he took off running.

The suspect, who deputies believe was under the influence of a controlled substance, was later captured by the river near Oakhurst Park. The suspect, who claims he does not smoke, told the arresting deputies, “Yea I’m a stoner, but I didn’t ask her for a cigarette.”

Elliott was booked into the Madera County Department of Corrections for attempted assault and exhibiting a deadly weapon. He remains jailed at this hour with bail set at $5,000.

Source: Madera County Sheriff's Office