A 23-year-old man has been captured as the suspect on several charges that include multiple sexual and aggravated assault charges, authorities said Tuesday.

Police originally arrested Alex Bangash for a string of crimes dating back to 2018, according to a release from the Tempe Police Department. There were five known victims, one of whom was a minor at the time of the alleged assaults.

Bangash's charges include seven counts of sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and three counts of aggravated assault (strangulation), the release stated.

Initially deemed non-bondable due to the violent nature of his offenses, Bangash was later granted a bond reduction at a subsequent hearing, where he was granted a $250,000 cash-only bond.  As a condition of that release, Bangash was fitted with a GPS ankle monitor, police said.

On March 10, Bangash cut off his monitor and fled the state, sparking the fugitive search.

Investigators discovered he had taken up work as a ranch hand in rural Texas, “living off the grid in exchange for room and board in an attempt to avoid detection,” according to the release.

On March 11, a Tempe police detective requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals-led Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force.

A Tempe detective who was a member of the task force launched an operation that included warrants and court orders to trace Bangash’s movements from Arizona through New Mexico and into Texas.

Bangash was apprehended on April 3, the release stated.

“The successful apprehension of this suspect is the result of tireless investigation, coordination, and teamwork,” Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy said. “This arrest brings us one step closer to justice for the survivors.”

Bangash is awaiting extradition to Arizona.

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