Ventura Man Arrested In Sexual Battery

VENTURA (CBSLA.com) — A 20-year-old man was arrested Friday on suspicion of committing sexual battery on a woman running in Grant Park.

Around 3:40 p.m. Sunday, a female called 911 to report that she was running on the Botanical Garden Trails near the 600 block of Brakey Road and was slapped on her buttocks by an unknown suspect.

Once on the scene, officers learned that the suspect was seated next to the path when the victim ran past him.

The victim said she took a fighting stance against the suspect, and he grabbed her wrists while preventing her from leaving, police said.

It wasn't until the victim tried to kick the suspect that he let her go and fled, authorities said.

Officers conducted a search in the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

According to police, it was later learned that the victim encountered the same suspect on two occasions within the past three months but never reported the incidents.

Around 9:15 a.m. Friday, officers conducted a search warrant at the home of David Sanchez, 20, in the 200 block of Rosewood Avenue in Ventura.

Police said Sanchez attempted to flee from his home but was taken into custody and booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of sexual battery.

Detectives are continuing to investigate this incident and believe there are other victims that have not come forward.

If you have been a victim of a crime or recognize Sanchez, police urge you to call (805) 339-4467.