A parolee accused of sneaking into a College Area residence and groping a sleeping woman pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a “hot prowl” burglary charge.
Gary Tyreese Thompson, 36, was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of burglary, assault with intent to commit rape and being under the influence of a controlled substance.
A resident of the home in the 6600 block of Alvarado Road made a 911 call shortly before 6:30 a.m. Monday to report the assault, according to San Diego police.
The caller said she woke up to find a stranger in the home, fondling another woman as the victim slept, Lt. Brent Williams said.
It was unclear how the man managed to get inside the residence, Williams said. Officers arrived a short time later and arrested Thompson. No injuries were reported.
Deputy District Attorney Trisha Amador would not say why no sexual assault charges were filed against Thompson, who had his bail lowered from $1 million to $200,000.
The alleged victim was not in court for Thompson’s arraignment, according to the prosecutor.
Thompson — who has a prior conviction for robbery — is a danger to the community and a flight risk, Amador told Judge Maureen Hallahan.
The judge ordered the defendant to stay away from the alleged victim.
Thompson faces 13 years in prison if convicted, Amador said.
A readiness conference was set for Oct. 15 and a preliminary hearing for Oct. 17.
— City News Service
