A suspect has been arrested in connection with a reported kidnapping and sexual assault incident that took place on September 7 in Thousand Oaks, as per a media release by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Hector Prado, a 25-year-old resident of Thousand Oaks, is the individual apprehended following an investigation led by the department's Sexual Assault Unit.
The circumstances came to light when a Sheriff’s patrol sergeant, on duty near Rancho Road at Thousand Oaks Boulevard, spotted an adult female victim trying to flag down help. According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, she had been forced into a vehicle and taken to a remote location where the suspect attempted to commit sexual assault. After managing to escape following "a brief, but violent struggle," the victim provided details about her assailant. Despite the traumatic nature of such events, authorities were swift to both respond to the victim's immediate needs and to initiate the steps necessary to bring her alleged attacker swiftly into custody.
The investigators were able to identify Prado and executed a search warrant at his residence on the 100 block of Tennyson Street. The victim’s account and subsequent investigation led to the charges against Prado, including kidnapping, false imprisonment by violence, assault with the intent to commit rape, and sexual penetration with force. Following the issuance of the warrant, Prado was found at his home and arrested. He was booked on these felony violations and transported to the Pre-trial Detention Facility in Ventura with bail set at $500,000. His arraignment is scheduled for today, as detailed by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain alert for additional witnesses or potential victims and encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward. Ventura County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for tips that lead to a conviction. Those willing to assist can contact Detective Amanda Salas at (805) 371-8397 or via email at [email protected]. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may reach out directly to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
