Man Allegedly Wrapped Cord Around Woman's Neck During South End Attack

BOSTON (CBS) – A man charged with violently attacking a woman in Boston's South End was ordered held on $20,000 cash bail. Prosecutors say Michael Powers put a cord around a woman's neck inside an art gallery and attempted to drag her away.

Powers was arrested on Monday, hours after police released a picture hoping to identify him. The incident took place on Harrison Ave.

During his arraignment on Tuesday, Powers was allowed to hide from view. Prosecutors said that after Powers put the cord around the woman's neck, he told her he wouldn't kill her if she stopped screaming.

"He assaulted the woman in the gallery after understanding she was alone there by putting a cord around her neck and dragging her toward the back of the gallery space telling her he wouldn't kill her if she stopped screaming," a prosecutor said. "She declined that offer and kept screaming until it got people's attention."

Powers allegedly ran away and was confronted in the parking lot.

Prosecutors say a cell phone photograph was taken of Powers after he was knocked down. Powers allegedly grabbed another woman's breasts while running away.

Defense attorneys said Powers is homeless and had been staying at the Pine Street Inn.

This is the second art gallery attack in the South End this year.

"It's not the first incident that has happened here however this is a very safe area," said Mark Lanoue, owner of Lanoue Gallery. "I'm very surprised that these attacks happened."

Powers was ordered to stay away from the woman he allegedly attacked. He is next due in court September 5.