Gilroy Police officers have arrested 28-year-old Carmen Manuel Pena of Morgan Hill for sexual assault and false imprisonment, according to a GPD press release sent this afternoon.
At 8:58 p.m. Saturday, a 40-year-old female victim and Gilroy resident, whose name is being withheld, was walking on the 7000 block of Monterey Road. Police say Pena attempted to initiate conversation and made verbal advances with the victim, who ignored Pena and continued to walk away. Pena then grabbed the woman from behind, “held her against her will” and “groped and fondled her in a sexual manner over her clothing,” according to GPD Sgt. Pedro Espinoza. The victim was able to break free and run to a nearby business, where she called the police and provided a detailed description of the suspect.
Officers arrived within minutes and located Pena at a nearby business, where he was identified and arrested.
The suspect was not known to the victim, according to Espinoza, who says the attack appears to be a “random act of aggression.”
No other incidents involving similar circumstances where reported to the police department.
Community members are reminded to report any suspicious person(s) and walk in well-lit areas during the evening hours, police say.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Gilroy Police Officer Rene Arbizu at (408) 846-0350. Parties wishing to remain anonymous may call We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 (1-800-78-CRIME).
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