Miami Police Arrest Diontae Blackman In Brickell Attempted Sexual Assault

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Miami police have made an arrest after a resident of a high-end Brickell condominium was attacked in her home.

Diontae Blackman, 23, is charged with sexual battery by threat and burglary.  He is being held at the TGK jail in Miami Dade.

Police say Blackman managed to get past the front desk of the Brickell Flatiron building and follow a resident into the elevator.

Once on the tenant's floor, police say he forced his way into her unit and then demanded she perform a sex act.

He's accused of pulling out a metal pipe and striking the victim and slapping her several times.

The victim managed to escape and screamed for help.

Blackman was captured on surveillance cameras in the elevator and leaving the building Tuesday evening.

After widespread circulation of the elevator images, a tip brought police to Blackman's doorstep, 48 hours later.

"He made a confession. It shows the community to reach out, no matter how small you think the tip may be," said Miami police officer Kiara Delva.

CBS4 News spoke to Blackman's relatives Friday.  An aunt said they were shocked at the charges since Blackman had never been in trouble before.  As for his connection to Brickell, she said Blackman used to like to go there to skateboard.

Tenants at Brickell Flatiron say they are relieved there has been an arrest.

While many complained after the attack that management could have done a better job, informing everyone about the incident, tenants said Friday there has been stepped up security.

Now they hope management will address how the breach occurred and why the suspect was able to get into the building so easily.