Photo: Stock Image
Written By: Jim Emerson
OAKLAND — A man accused of attacking a woman at a BART station is being held in custody in lieu of $1,150,000 bond. The attacker shoved the victim into an elevator, and he tried to remove her pants.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight on October 6 at the Walnut Creek station. A woman was followed by a man as she exited from the train. The 20-year-old woman from Daly City was forced into an elevator, where she struggled with him. She activated the emergency alarm in the elevator and then she was able to escape.
BART police responded but the suspect fled before they arrived. Images from surveillance video helped authorities find the alleged attacker. The suspect is 35-year-old Richard Lee McDowell, who lives in Pittsburg.
On October 15, BART police spotted McDowell at the North Concord station, where he was arrested at 9:05 a.m. McDowell is presently housed at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond. His next scheduled court appearance is November 3.
McDowell faces three felony charges –
Kidnapping for robbery or sexual purposes PC 209(B)(1)
Assault with intent to commit a felony PC 220(A)(1)
Attempted rape by force/fear PC 664 and PC 261(A)(2)
This is the fifth time that McDowell has been arrested this year. His other recent arrests were in connection with assaults, a firearm, vehicle theft, and rape. He also has prior arrests for robbery, vehicle theft, DUI alcohol/drugs, and possession of a controlled substance.
