Police: Man punches, rapes woman at Tulsa motel

TULSA - Tulsa police say they have a man behind bars who is suspected of violently raping a woman at a motel in February.

Burnis Howard was arrested Monday for first-degree rape. Police say it was Feb. 5 at the Desert Inn Motel near 11th and Yale when Howard told the victim "I want to have sex with you." When she declined Howard punched her in the face and head multiple times.

Police say the victim was knocked on her back and pinned down. Howard allegedly continued punching the woman in the head, and when she woke up two days had passed.

Police say the victim described severe pain in her vaginal area and during a medical exam seminal fluid was found.

Police say the woman suffered multiple injuries to her head consistent with being punched repeatedly.

Police say Howard later admitted to officers he hit the woman in the head, but he said the victim later submitted to him.

Howard is being held in the Tulsa County Jail on $50,000 bond.