Paroled Rapist, 67, Held as Suspect in Attempted Rape of Co-Worker
SANTA ANA — An anonymous tip on Friday led to the arrest of a 67-year-old parolee suspected of beating and choking a co-worker in a brutal attempted rape at a bridal shop, police said.
Manuel Padee Singh was arrested about 11:45 a.m just two blocks from the scene of the November attack in which he allegedly threw the 22-year-old woman down and beat her head against the floor, causing her to momentarily lose consciousness, Police Sgt. Bob Clark said.
Singh was booked on suspicion of attempted rape after somebody walking on North Broadway recognized him and called police, Clark said. Singh is on parole in connection with a 1983 rape conviction, police said.
Singh is also suspected in a child annoyance case the day before the attempted rape. A 13-year-old girl was walking home from school Nov. 3 and was approached by a man with a physical description matching Singh, Clark said.
A bystander told the student to run while he chased after the man but was not able to catch him, police said.
Singh was being held on suspicion of attempted rape at Santa Ana City Jail.
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