Crime & Safety

Update: Police Confident They'll Catch Man Who Raped A San Leandro Woman

A follow-up statement meant to reassure resident adds no details about the knife-wielding rapist who remains at large.

 

Updated 22 March at 5:30 pm: Police issued a statement Thursday saying they were confident they would find the man who raped a San Leandro woman at knife point on the 700 block of Bridge Road Tuesday afternoon.

"Detectives are optimistic that based on the leads and evidence that this investigation will be closed with an arrest and ultimate conviction of the individual responsible for this terrible crime," the statement said.

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No other new information was released.

According to a statement issued Wednesday, police say the attacker entered the woman's home and forced her into a bedroom where he assaulted her sexually.

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Officials released no information about the condition of the victim but neighbors said she walked to the ambulance that took her to the hospital.

Police said the attacker fled the house after the attack and took off in an unknown direction.

Neighbors said police had knocked on doors Tuesday evening, asking for anyone who may have had a surveillance video camera at home that might have caught a glimpse of the assailant.

Police described the attacker as a Hispanic male, between 20 and 30 years old, about 5 feet 5 inches tall, and of medium build. He is said to have spoken with an accent.

Police said the victim and the residence appeared to have been targeted, and that the attack seems to have been an isolated incident.

The crime shock and horrified neighbors on this quiet block in Estudillo Estates where children ride bicycles in the street.

Neighbor Mike Pretto said he had lived on the block since 1974 and other than a few break-ins nothing like this had ever happened.

The crime has drawn the tightly-knit community -- which only last weekend had a soup party for residents -- even closer to rally around the victim and protect her privacy.

Investigators are actively working on credible leads and say capturing the rapist is their top priority.  Anyone having information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Ali Khan at 510-577-3243.

On Tuesday evening, March 27th, police will meet with residents of the affected neighborhood to answer questions. For details about that meeting, or to get help organizing a neighborhood watch, call Officer Tim Degrano at (510) 577-3248 or visit the city's crime prevention page.

This story will be updated as details become available.

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