James Duke - Repeat Sex Offender Sexually assaults woman at school

Police have arrested a registered sex offender on suspicion he tried to sexually assault a woman at Gilbert High School on Christmas Day.

James Duke, 53, was booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail on charges of attempted sexual assault, theft of means of transportation and attempted kidnapping.

Duke approached an 18-year-old woman who was at school caring for some animals, said Sgt. Mark Marino of the Gilbert Police Department.

"Duke grabbed the victim as she was leaving a gated area on the Gilbert High School grounds," Marino said.

The victim stabbed Duke in the chest with one of her keys, which she had placed in her hand as she saw Duke approaching, Marino said. She also activated her "panic car alarm" as Duke wrestled with her, Marino said.

Duke fled the scene leaving his vehicle behind.

Marino said Duke later stole a semi tractor-trailer which was eventually recovered in north Phoenix. Gilbert police detectives managed to locate and apprehend Duke at 17th Avenue and Union Hills Drive.

"25% of all sex offenders re-offend within 15 years"

.........Sarah Tofte