ONTONAGON – A probable cause hearing took place in 98th District Court in Ontonagon Tuesday in the case of an Ontonagon man accused of sexual assault and attempted murder.

Timothy Pietila, 51, is charged with attempted murder and first-degree criminal sexual conduct, both felonies punishable by life in prison; assault by strangulation, a 10-year felony; and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, a two-year conviction.

The alleged victim, a female, was able to escape and provided information leading to the arrest of Pietila shortly thereafter on the early morning of Feb. 3.

His preliminary hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. Monday in 98th District Court.

– Garrett Neese