Homeless man arrested for attempting to sexually assault two women hours apart
35-year-old Jonathan Nava was arrested for assault with intent to commit mayhem, rape, sodomy, oral copulation in two different incidents hours apart in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs police were originally notified of an assault at Ruth Hardy Park at 12:09 pm.
According to a press release by PSPD, the victim was in a bathroom at the park changing clothes for work when Nava entered the restroom and forced his way into a stall. Nava then allegedly attacked the woman inside the stall.
Officers believe Nava was attempting to sexually assault the woman.
Police reported that witnesses at the park overheard the woman screaming for help and entered the bathroom. The interruption caused Nava to flee the bathroom before completing the sexual assault.
Nava was located by officers at Calle Chica and Via Altamira at 1:19 PM after an intensive search and assistance from witnesses.
The woman positively identified Nava in this attack.
While detained, officers discovered that the man matched the same description from an incident that occurred in the 1100 block of N Indian Canyon at 9:49 am earlier Friday morning.
According to PSPD, in that incident, Nava approached a woman at an office building and forced his way inside. The victim from this first incident was able to flee the office and call police. At the time of the call, officers were not able to locate the suspect or determine his intent.
Police contacted the victim from the first incident was contacted and positively identified Nava as the same male who forced his way into her office. Officers believe he was attempting to sexually assault the first victim at that time as well.
More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations
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