New Attack is Part of Sex Assault Series

Updated 9:42 AM PDT, Thu, Apr 30, 2009

A woman robbed and sexually assaulted in Mission Valley, CA Tuesday is believed to be the sixth victim in a series that began in June 2008 in the College Area, according to San Diego police.

The victim had just returned to her home on Reflection Drive on April 28 at about 11:30 a.m. She had been shopping with her 18-month-old, took the child into the house and returned to her vehicle to get some more things. As the victim re-entered her apartment, the suspect, who was holding a knife, grabbed her from behind, first demanded cash then sexually assaulted her, police said.

The other cases that involve this guy are somewhat similar. He simply sees an opportunity and takes it. On March 4, 2009, a Carmel Valley woman was attacked in her home. This time the ‘perp’ entered through an open garage door, armed with a knife, tied up the victim and sexually assaulted her.

One of the other cases that (potentially) involved this guy happened last Fall, at UCSD: the victim didn’t realize he followed her into her home through the front door. The man had a knife, quickly tied her up and tried to rape her, but she resisted, police said, and the man left.

A couple of things to remember: keep your ALERT up. Be aware of your surroundings (your head’s on a swivel, you’re looking for danger). Sometimes we let our guard down when we get near home. That’s just what this guy uses to his advantage. Another important point to remember in the last (UCSD) story is the victim resisted and the man left. If you find yourself confronted by a predator in this type of situation, if possible, fight back. Refer back to my last post - a woman averted an attempted abduction (the ‘perp’ had a gun) when she fought back: HIT Notable: Failed Carjacking/Kidnap - Unconventional Weapons

As a quick fact: 87% of women involved in a sexual assault - that fought back - said their resistance made their situation better. The bottom line is: whether you fight back or not is your choice. However, if you don’t fight back, the attack will occur. There’s nothing to give the predator a reason to stop the attack. Give them some consequences. That’s exactly what they don’t want.

Here’s a police sketch of the guy (for those in the San Diego area, if you know this person or recognize him, call the San Diego Police Department Robbery Unit at (619) 531-2299. Tips can also be called in anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477): hitselfdefense.com/UCSD Suspect

Stay Safe.

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