Santa Monica police said the 84-year-old woman dragged into the alley and attacked. Long Beach man arrested
A man was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an 84-year-old Santa Monica woman.
Santa Monica police said Tuesday that the 39-year-old man was screaming for help after dragging her into an alley in the incident earlier this month.
Police responded to the crying of women near the intersection of Wilshire Avenue and 6th Street at about 9:30 p.m. on June 5.
“After arriving, police found an 84-year-old Santa Monica resident who appeared to be in trouble,” police said. “The victim reported that she was approached and grabbed from behind by a male suspect, then dragged her into a nearby alley and attempted to sexually assault her.”
The department said several witnesses supported the woman's statement at the scene and told the suspect that he fled to the north. Police were able to find and detain the suspect on Fifth Street and California Avenue.
Police say the suspect, Pape of Long Beach, has been charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office with felony charges, including an assault with intent to rape and kidnapping for rape.
Gaota was prosecuted on June 9. He was held in the Central Prison of Men in Downtown Los Angeles without bail. His next court date is scheduled to be held July 9 at the airport courthouse near Los Angeles International Airport.
Santa Monica police are asking anyone about the incident to contact DET. Maricela Orta (310) 458-2293 (maricela.orta@santamonica.gov), Sgt. Chad Goodwin, (310) 458-8931, or (310) 458-8427, the watch commander's desk.
