By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – A 36-year-old Florida man is being held in the Shelby County Jail on bonds totaling $1.2 million after he was arrested and charged with sexually and physically assaulting two victims in Alabaster while he was armed with a sword.

The Alabaster Police Department arrested Leland Crowell Arwine, 36, of Panama City Beach, Florida, on June 2 on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, third-degree theft of property, first-degree attempted rape and two counts of first-degree domestic violence.

The arrest came one day after the APD responded to a report of an assault in the 100 block of Kensington Lane.

According to police, the two victims arrived at their residence, and became involved in a domestic dispute with Arwine.

“Arwine allegedly sexually assaulted one victim and attempted to sexually assault another. He also allegedly physically assaulted both victims with a sword,” according to an APD statement. “Both victims were treated at a local hospital for their injuries. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival. Arwine was taken into custody the next day without incident.”

“This could have turned out much worse. These women were very strong and determined to survive a very difficult situation. I’m very thankful we were able to take this guy off the streets as quickly as we did,” said Alabaster Police Chief Curtis Rigney.