What to do if you see a crime being committed
Do you know what to do if you see something bad happening? Here are some tips.
An alleged sexual assault on a public bus last week launched an investigation that led to the arrest of an Oxnard man, authorities said.
A 37-year-old Ventura woman had boarded a bus in Camarillo Friday and exited in Ventura. During the ride, she was reportedly sexually assaulted by a stranger, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The woman reported the incident to the bus driver and to law enforcement.
The bus company, which assisted with the investigation, reviewed video footage from inside the bus as well as transaction history, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
On Sunday, sheriff’s patrol deputies saw the suspect, a 49-year-old Oxnard man, at a bus stop in the 2700 block of Johnson Drive in Ventura. During the initial contact, the man reportedly didn’t obey deputies’ commands to stop.
A search of the suspect and his property turned up evidence linking him to the incident on the bus, authorities said. He was arrested on suspicion of felony sexual penetration with force, violence, duress, menace or fear and misdemeanor resisting.
Sheriff’s Detective Chris Dyer said the suspect is known to ride Ventura County Transportation Commission and Gold Coast Transit District buses.
Authorities believe the suspect may have assaulted others on buses or around bus stops. Potential victims are asked to call the sheriff’s office at 805-654-9511. You can also call your local law enforcement agency.
Dyer also reminded residents they can report a crime by texting 911. The feature allows people to remain silent in a scenario where making a phone call could put them in a bind, he said.
The suspect remained in the county’s main jail Monday evening with bail set at $500,000, jail records showed. He had not yet been formally charged by prosecutors. A court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com.
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