Police arrest attacker
By Saria Kraft
Acorn Staff Writer

A woman was walking along the arroyo near Tierra Rejada Bridge south of Harvester Street on Tuesday at about 2 p.m. A man who worked at a nearby nursery approached the woman, physically restrained her and sexually battered her.

The victim, 18, managed to escape the attacker and phoned for help.

A sergeant and three deputies of the Moorpark Police responded. They cordoned off the area and rounded up suspects based upon the victim’s description. In a field line up, the victim identified Alberto Hernandez, 21.

The suspect was booked into the main jail in Ventura on charges of felony sexual battery and held on $20,000 bail. Hernandez posted bail and is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on Nov. 18.

"By seeking help, the victim did everything right," said Det. Robert Fleming of the sexual crimes unit at the East County Sheriff’s station. "The officers’ quick response and their ability to cordon off the area led us to the arrest.

"This was a group effort and I commend the girl for her part."