Suspect in Sept. 26 Columbus State assault ordered held without bond

Staff Report

A man accused of assaulting a Columbus State University student in a downtown parking deck last week has been arrested and ordered held without bond, authorities said Wednesday.

Hosni Batebawia was taken into custody Sept. 26 after police said he attacked a student around 12:30 p.m. and stole their vehicle. He fled across the Chattahoochee River into Phenix City, Ala., before crashing the vehicle in Columbus at 6th Avenue and Linwood Boulevard, according to police. Officers from Columbus and Phenix City pursued him on foot before making the arrest.

Batebawia was treated for injuries at Piedmont Columbus Regional before being booked into the Muscogee County Jail. In Recorder’s Court on Oct. 1, he was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, one count of rape, one count of aggravated sexual battery, and theft by taking. Prosecutors also elevated a charge of hijacking a motor vehicle from second-degree to first-degree.

University Police Chief Debra Kennedy said the department is focused on protecting the victim’s identity and maintaining campus safety. “Our priority is creating a campus where everyone feels safe, supported and respected. We stand with victims and work every day to build a community of trust and care,” she said.

The university has offered counseling, advocacy, and other services to the student, officials said. Kennedy added that her department has increased patrols on the downtown RiverPark Campus, reviewed lighting in parking areas, and promoted mobile safety programs.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details were released.