Photo: Christopher D Owens
MARTINEZ — A man accused of sexually assaulting at least five women in five years is being held in custody in lieu of $8 million bond. The suspect was arrested five days after the most recent rape occurred.
Christopher D. Owens, a 39-year-old resident of Martinez, was arrested July 7 on a Ramey Warrant. Owens was taken into custody during a search of his residence, and he was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office detectives identified Owens as a suspect in two assaults that occurred in Pacheco this year. The investigation of Owens involved several law enforcement agencies in Contra Costa County.
Owens was also identified the suspected rapist in attacks that occurred in Walnut Creek and Concord in 2017. In addition, he has been linked to an attempted rape in Pleasant Hill that occurred in 2020.
Investigators say the suspect preyed on women he did not know. One victim was raped in a grocery store parking lot, and another woman was assaulted during a burglary. The most recent victim was raped July 2, after meeting the suspect at a Martinez Chevron gas station.
On July 11, Owens was charged with numerous felonies, include three counts of rape and assault with intent to commit rape. In addition, he faces charges for forced oral copulation, sexual battery, penetration by a foreign object, and elder abuse.
The investigation of Owens remains ongoing. Detectives believe additional victims may have been sexually assaulted by the suspect.
Anyone with information can contact detective Allison Kotchevar at 925-313-2623 or email akotc@so.cccounty.us.
