Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A man is arrested and an investigation is underway after two women are allegedly assaulted Monday morning near the University of Tennessee.

Knoxville Police Department officials say officers responded to a call about an assault at Cumberland Avenue and 17th Street just before 9:00 a.m. The two victims, aged 18 and 20, say they were assaulted by a man, later identified as 43-year-old Brad Collins, in an unprovoked attack.

Police say the first victim stated that she was attempting to walk past Collins near University Liquors when he punched her in the right eye with a closed fist and choked her to the point she could not breathe, before letting go and running down the street. 

The second victim reported that she was walking on the sidewalk when Collins ran across the street towards her and also punched her in the eye with a closed fist.

Both victims were treated for their injuries.

Collins has been charged with one count of assault and one count of aggravated assault.