News release from the Fresno County Sheriff's Department:

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims today announced the arrest of a Friant man in connection with the assault and battery of two women and one female teenager. Arrested was 22 year old Brandon Thomas Story.

This past Saturday, shortly after 4:30pm, deputies responded to the area of Sky Harbor Rd near Millerton Lake regarding a 911 call. While en route to the call, deputies were getting updates regarding a male subject that had assaulted the three victims and was possibly still in the area.

Upon their arrival, deputies learned that the victims had spent the day at the lake during which time Story had walked up and started talking with them. After a few hours of talking and sharing food, Story asked if he could get a ride home. The victims agreed and all got into their car and started home.

After driving a short distance, Story, who was seated in the back with the 15 year old victim, grabbed her around the neck and put a knife to her throat. The teenager immediately started to fight back during which time the other victims stopped the car and assist their friend. The teenager was able to break free of Story and get out of the car. The other two victims were also able to get out of the car. Story then got out of the car and ran into the nearby woods. The victims drove back to the day use area where they had spent the day and called 911.

The victims were able to provide deputies with a good description of Story and it was broadcast to all assisting deputies.

While canvassing homes in the area, deputies located Story who lived at a residence on Sky Harbor Rd. He was later positively identified as the suspect in the assault.

During the ensuing investigation, detectives learned that Story had been stalking the three victims earlier in the day and had fully intended to rape them. He was later booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and assault with the intent to commit rape.

Of the three victims, only the 15 year old sustained a cut to her hand while fighting off Story. The injury did not require medical assistance.