By SDCN Editor
Encinitas, CA–A man allegedly on bail was arrested Wednesday afternoon by Sheriff’s deputies for attacking a woman in her home in Encinitas, authorities said.
The victim was walking her dog in the 800 block of Hygeia Avenue. When she approached the front door of her residence, an unknown man approached her from behind and asked to use her restroom. She denied his request, and as she opened the door, he grabbed her and pushed her inside the residence where he began to strangle her. Another resident inside the house heard the commotion and came to her aid. The resident fought with the man and ultimately forced the suspect out of the residence. The suspect fled the area in a vehicle and 911 was called. The suspect’s description and vehicle were provided to Sheriff’s dispatch.
Sheriff’s deputies in unmarked vehicles saw the suspect’s vehicle leaving the area. They observed the suspect suspiciously pull over to the side of the road where a woman was jogging. Based on the suspect’s actions, the deputies believed he might attempt to assault her. They immediately intervened and detained the man. During a search of the suspect, deputies found condoms in his pocket.
The suspect was identified as 53-year-old Shane Crawford. He has a violent criminal history, and is currently on bail for a recent DUI arrest, the Sheriff’s office said.
Crawford was booked into the Vista Detention Facility for the charges of burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with the intent to commit a sex crime, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and commission of a felony while released on bail.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident can call the North Coastal Sheriff’s Station at (760) 966-3500, or the Sheriff’s Communication Center at (858) 565-5200.
