Good Samaritan Rescues Duct-Taped Attempted-Rape Victim, Additional Unreported Victims Sought
Photo: Jorge Cruz De Armas
SANTA ANA — A Good Samaritan encountered and set free a duct-taped woman in a vehicle he encountered Monday in an alley. Last night, Santa Ana PD detectives arrested Jorge Cruz De Armas (27) of Tustin at his Costa Mesa workplace for the suspected kidnapping and sexual assault.
The victim’s rescuer interrupted the assault in the 1600-block East Palm Street alley. He approached the parked vehicle, opened the door, and freed the 28-year-old woman.
The Good Samaritan went the extra mile by gathering photo evidence of the suspect and vehicle fleeing the scene. Authorities responded immediately to the call.
Further investigation revealed that yesterday evening De Armas had encountered his victim at about 4:30 PM Monday, and offered her a ride. She accepted, willingly entered the vehicle, then moments later refused the suspect’s offer to have sex with him. De Armas began to attack and strangle her, then covered her mouth with duct tape. Evidence at Monday evening’s crime scene led police to the identity of the kidnapping and assault suspect.
Santa Ana Police Detectives have reason to believe that there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information contact Detective E. Majors at 714-245-8378, emajors@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
