The man accused of sexually assaulting an 81-year-old woman remains at Austin Medical Center today.

Aaron Michael Hayes, 21 of Austin, was arrested and charged Monday morning in connection with the November 2002 assault of an elderly woman, who lives at Chauncey Apartments.

While in custody, Hayes attempted to escape and assaulted two Austin Police Department officers, according to police.

Two hours later, he attempted to harm himself by ramming his head into the bars of his cell in the Mower County Jail, according to police reports.

He was hospitalized at AMC and treated for his injuries. While at the hospital, he made a second attempt to harm himself; this time with a fork, according to police.

Police attempted to transfer him to the St. Peter treatment center for evaluation of his mental and emotional state.

Today, Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp said St. Peter officials rejected admitting Hayes "because they were full."

Hayes was returned to AMC overnight Tuesday, where he remains under armed guard.

According to Philipp, it is possible St. Peter staff may come to AMC to evaluate Hayes in his hospital room.

That will be necessary to decide whether or not to return him to the Mower County Jail.

The 72-hour period for holding a person under arrest before formally charging him in court expires Thursday. In addition to the criminal sexual conduct charges, Hayes faces new charges for the attempt to escape custody and assaulting police officers.

Hayes was also arrested last summer in connection with the July 14 through 16, 2002, stabbing incidents at a northwest Austin residence, according to police reports.

A spokesperson for Mower County Attorney's office confirmed today, Hayes has been charged. However, the spokesperson said whether or not he will be jailed locally or another attempt will be made to transfer him to the treatment center remains unknown.