Man Sought in Rape Attempts at Shopping Mall

Attacks on two women at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks in the past two weeks have police and mall officials on the lookout for a man suspected in both crimes.

Thousand Oaks sheriff’s deputies on Tuesday released a composite drawing of the alleged attacker, who used a knife to rob and attempt to rape two women in the shopping center parking lot. Both women were robbed, but escaped sexual assault.

“So far, we’ve been real lucky in that he hasn’t been willing or able to use the knife,� Sgt. Frank O’Hanlon said.

The latest attack occurred Friday, when a 22-year-old woman was approached by a knife-wielding man in his mid-20s. He forced the woman into her car, demanded cash or other valuables and tried to rape her, police said.

She was able to escape from her vehicle and flee back to the mall.

On Jan. 16 a 39-year-old woman was attacked in the same area of the parking lot. The man tried to rape that woman, but she also escaped.

The suspect is described as a male Latino about 25 years old, about 5 feet, 5 inches tall with a medium build and an unkempt appearance. An 8-inch kitchen knife was used in the attacks.

Investigators are urging anyone who may have information about the suspect or the two attacks to call them at 494-8200.

In the meantime, mall officials and police are urging customers and employees at The Oaks mall to take escorts when walking to or from the shops.