Smoke shop clerk speaks after attempted rape suspect caught on camera turns himself in

MIAMI SPRINGS, Fla. – Police have made an arrest after a disturbing attack on a woman at a smoke shop in South Florida.

Authorities said Tyrone Armbrister, 30, turned himself in to Miami Springs police over the weekend.

On Monday, the attack victim expressed her gratitude and joy at knowing her attacker was behind bars.

“It will definitely leave a mark on me forever,” the victim, Aiihleen, told Local 10 News’ Rosh Lowe.

She survived the attempted rape by fighting off Armbrister with her fists and a plunger. The attack was captured on surveillance video.

Now she says she is glad he is in custody and grateful for the support she has received after the incident.

“I was grateful to God and everyone who worked on it,” she said. “You guys, the police, the Miami Springs police were great.”

While being taken to jail, Armbrister told Local 10 News he was drunk during the attack.

He also suggested that someone might have put something in his drink that caused him to behave the way he did.

“My sincere apologies,” he said. ‘I hope she’s doing well. I came back because someone has to take responsibility. I made a mistake by drinking too much and that’s where I made a mistake. I allowed something to be put in my drink without paying attention.”

Armbrister was asked by Local 10’s Cody Weddle if he had ever committed a similar act.

“No,” he replied. “That’s why it shocked me when I saw the video.”

The victim said she also heard about Armbrister’s apology and the alleged reasoning behind his action.

“That’s not what medicine does to a person, it’s more of a moral issue,” she said.

Armbrister is expected back in court on Tuesday.