A 22-year-old man was behind bars Tuesday on suspicion of grabbing a woman in front of Westfield UTC mall last summer and trying to rape her.
Adam Espinoza Moore of San Diego was arrested Monday in connection with the Aug. 30 assault in the 4300 block of La Jolla Village Drive, according to police.
The 21-year-old victim was leaving the La Jolla Village Drive shopping center shortly before 8:30 p.m. when Moore allegedly grabbed her from behind, covered her mouth and dragged her into a patch of shrubbery.
The woman bit his hand and screamed, drawing the attention of a passer- by, Lt. Sandra Rapalee-Albrektsen said. The witness rushed over, at which point the assailant ran off.
Authorities did not immediately disclose what led them to Moore. He was booked into county jail on suspicion of assault, attempted rape, sexual battery, abduction and false imprisonment.
— City News Service