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Published on April 12, 2024
Berkeley Man Charged with Forcible Rape Following Assault Near North Concord BART StationSource: Google Street View

A Berkeley man is facing a slew of charges, including forcible rape, after an alleged brutal attack on a female victim near the North Concord BART station in California, officials said.

Larry Dean Ridge, Jr., 40, was slapped with a three-count felony complaint by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office following the incident that unraveled on April 8 at approximately 6:30 pm, according to a public announcement from the DA's office. Riding on a nearby bike trail, a witness immediately came to the victim's aid, who was allegedly pushed to the ground and raped by Ridge. The assailant reportedly snatched the victim's purse during the struggle, fleeing with her cell phone and wallet, but discarded the purse.

The Concord Police quickly responded after a BART station agent was alerted by the witness and detained Ridge aboard a BART train. Following the identification by the victim and the witness, Ridge was arrested on the spot.

Ridge, who faced a judge in Martinez today, has a record of serious or violent felonies from another county, enhancing the charges against him with special allegations. Ridge has bail set at a staggering $1,250,000 at the Martinez Detention Facility. While at the BART station, the Concord Police officers arrived and managed to apprehend Ridge.