CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville Police arrested 48-year-old Michael Shaft Brewington in connection with last Thursday’s sexual assault at the Free Bridge encampment, according to a CPD release.

Brewington was taken into custody Wednesday without incident. He is charged with aggravated sexual battery.

“Every member of our community deserves to feel safe, and that includes our unhoused neighbors,” CPD Chief Michael Kochis said in a statement. “This arrest reflects our commitment to ensuring that those living unsheltered receive the same level of protection, respect, and diligent investigative effort as anyone else in Charlottesville.”

On the evening of July 9, CPD responded to a report of a sexual assault.

“Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim, who reported being raped, possibly by a known individual,” according to the CPD release.