By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MIDDLETOWN - A 67-year-old woman who owns several Middletown properties survived being raped, robbed and stabbed Saturday - allegedly by a former tenant who was released from prison in July.

Tim Engle, 40, faces charges of attempted aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and rape.

Police say Mr. Engle attacked and raped his former landlord after she let him into her home in the 800 block of South Main Street Saturday.

He had asked to use the bathroom, Middletown police said.

She checked on him after he didn't return and discovered him pilfering cash and other items in her bedroom, Detective David Swartzel said Sunday.

"Once he saw her, he just attacked her. As soon as he stabbed her and cut her throat I think, at that point, she pretty much played dead, so I think he left thinking she was dead. She did what she had to to survive," Detective Swartzel said.

One of her tenants found her shortly after the attack, police said.

She was listed in fair condition Sunday at Middletown Regional Hospital.

Police arrested Mr. Engle just before midnight Saturday.

He is being held at the Middletown City Jail and is scheduled to appear in Middletown Municipal Court today.

Mr. Engle was released this summer after first entering state prison in June 1982, state records show.

He pleaded guilty to robbing a Middletown bank and a drive-through liquor and convenience store in February 1982 with another man.

In the bank robbery, Mr. Engle was accused of driving the getaway car.

He once rented an apartment from the victim, who owns a dozen rental properties in Middletown, according to police and county auditor records.

The woman has two grown children and a grandson who attends college, Detective Swartzel said.

"A lot of people know her and she's a very nice lady. It's hard to imagine - hard to believe - that something like that could happen anywhere," Detective Swartzel said.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com.