The Gilbert Police Department, Mesa Crime Lab and Phoenix police collaborated to arrest a man Oct. 6 in connection with a 2023 sexual assault case.

According to the release, in May of 2023, Phoenix police responded to a report of a woman sexually assaulted in her place of business near 1800 W. Thunderbird Road.  The suspect, Mohammad Bishawi, came in for a massage and allegedly hid behind a door, taking the woman by surprise. The woman provided a detailed description of the suspect and his vehicle. 

During the investigation, the release said, detectives obtained physical evidence, which was tested by the Phoenix Crime Lab and entered into the Combined DNA Index System system as an unknown male profile.

In December of 2024, Gilbert Police began investigating a separate incident in which a woman reported that her ride share driver attempted to sexually assault her. The investigation led to the identification of the suspect and the collection of DNA evidence.

Gilbert Police obtained a search warrant to collect DNA samples from the suspect, the release said. The Mesa Crime Lab processed the evidence and entered the DNA profile into CODIS. The Mesa Crime Lab got a hit which matched the profile from the 2023 Phoenix case, linking the suspect to both incidents. The Gilbert Police Department continues to investigate its case. 

Following the development, Phoenix detectives presented a photographic lineup to the survivor from the 2023 case, who positively identified the suspect, Bishawi, as the individual allegedly responsible for the assault.

On Oct. 6, 2025, the Phoenix Police Fugitive Apprehension Team located and arrested Bishawi.  He was booked on multiple felony charges related to the 2023 Phoenix case.

During his initial appearance, he was ordered held on a $500,000 cash bond, with electronic monitoring if released.

This case highlights the interagency cooperation and the use of forensic technology. The Phoenix Police Department extends its appreciation to the Gilbert Police Department, and the Mesa Crime lab for their dedicated efforts in helping bring this case to a resolution and enhancing public safety.