On Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 6:30pm deputies from Santa Clarita Valley Station responded to an assault call in the 18000 block of Saratoga Way, Canyon Country, "American Beauty Complex".
Initial investigation revealed that a female adult was assaulted when she was exiting her garage. The suspect confronted the victim as she was entering the breeze way leading to the condominium unit she was going to. The suspect attacked the victim and forced her back into the garage. The victim was forced to the ground. The victim fought back and was able to call out for help.
The suspect ran from the garage when the victim called for assistance. The victim directed a witness to the direction the suspect ran. The witness was able to see the suspect running through the complex.
A short time later, a call from the same area came into the Sheriff's Department stating that a male had forced his way into a residence asking the residents to hide him because the police were looking for him. The suspect was captured at this residence when deputies arrived.
The suspect was identified as Robert Pena from Canyon Country and was taken into custody by patrol deputies.
Detectives from Santa Clarita Valley responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. Personnel from the Sheriff Department's Crime Lab also responded to process the crime scene.
Detectives working throughout the night and weekend were able to gather evidence to present to the District Attorney for filing considerations. During the investigation it was revealed that the suspect was recently released from prison under AB-109, also known as the "Public Safety Realignment Act" that was signed into law April of 2011.
The suspect has spent time in prison for a prior robbery and assault that occurred in 2008. He was release from prison in November 2012 under AB-109 after serving time for being a convicted felon possessing a firearm arrest that occurred in August 2011.
Robert Pena was charged with False Imprisonment by Violence, Assault by Means Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury, and two counts of First Degree Burglary, Person Present. His prior felony convictions were taken into consideration when his bail was set at $260,000.
There is no further information at this time.
Written By:
Lt. Steve Low
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station - DB
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
661-255-1121 Ext 5124
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