Prosecutors on Sunday filed an indictment against Capt. Erez Efrati, an Israel Defense Forces security guard accused of trying to rape and sexually assault a 22-year-old woman last month in Tel Aviv.
The charges against Efrati include attempted sexual assault, attempted aggravated rape and inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Efrati, 30, is a member of the unit charged with protecting IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi.
According to the indictment, Efrati attacked the victim, known as A., around 4:45 A.M. on November 28, when he followed her to her car, parked in the Tel Aviv port area. Efrati allegedly dragged A. from her car to the banks of the Yarkon River and threatened to kill her if she screamed.
The indictment also states that when passersby tried to help A., Efrati tried to persuade them she was his girlfriend. One of the passersby saw A. lying on the ground, partially naked, while Efrati leaned on her using his knees and held her mouth shut. When A. broke free and pleaded for help, Efrati hit her and later began to fight with the passerby.
Efrati tried to escape by jumping into the Yarkon, according to the indictment, but was later caught hiding under a nearby bridge.
Efrati's attorneys claim he has no recollection of what happened due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Police said last week that a forensics laboratory had matched DNA from Efrati with evidence found on the woman who was allegedly attacked.
Efrati is currently being held under 24-hour supervision and suicide watch.
