Prosecutors on Friday said a 21-year-old Lawrence man shoved a woman into her car and raped her about 3 a.m. Thursday in a Lawrence parking lot.

“The state would characterize this as a brazen attack in a public place,” said Nicole Romine, an assistant Douglas County district attorney.

During the man’s first appearance Friday afternoon in Douglas County District Court, Romine said prosecutors have “very strong evidence in this case,” including physical evidence and an alleged confession from the defendant.

Lawrence police spokeswoman Kim Murphree said an officer early Thursday morning surprised a sexual assault suspect in the 2400 block of Iowa Street. The suspect fled on foot.

However, the suspect left his wallet and identification at the scene, which aided officers in making an arrest, Murphree said.

Officers interviewed the woman, 23, who said the suspect forced her into her vehicle and sexually assaulted her.

On Friday afternoon, prosecutors filed charges of rape and aggravated kidnapping against the man. Douglas County Judge Pro-Tem James George set the man’s bond at $250,000.

During the brief court appearance, the man told George that he had lived in Lawrence for three years and worked at a local restaurant. George also said he would appoint an attorney to defend the man.

The man is scheduled to next appear in court at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in front of Douglas County District Judge Peggy Kittel.

The Journal-World generally does not name sex crime suspects unless they are convicted.