North Carolina police have made an arrest after a woman allegedly came home to find her 7-year-old daughter covered in blood after a violent sexual assault, according to the Independent.

The woman immediately had a suspect in mind for the alleged brutality, leading investigators to 28-year-old Brentley Jason Byers, a man her daughter refers to as “father” even though they are not related, as reported by The Charlotte Observer.

The unnamed mother told authorities that she originally left her four children alone with Byers Friday morning while she went to work. A family member is reported to have picked up two of the children later that night. The assault is believed to have happened Friday night while Byers cared for the two remaining children.

Fox News has reported that the mother didn’t return home and make the unsettling discovery until 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. She told deputies that she found her bloodied daughter sitting in a chair, with the suspect asleep on the couch.

Investigators reportedly uncovered evidence—specifically clothing in a washing machine—that they say is “consistent with a sexual assault.” Authorities noted that the clothing’s location indicated that the suspect attempted to destroy evidence.

Police also said that the 7-year-old sustained “extensive injuries” from the alleged assault. She was ultimately transferred to a hospital where she will most likely undergo surgery, the Independent also reported. She remains hospitalized as of Monday.

Byers was ultimately arrested and charged with statutory rape. Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell told The Taylorsville Times that additional charges are likely forthcoming.

The 28-year-old’s bail is currently set at $1 million.

[Featured Image: Iredell County Sheriff’s Department]