East Bay Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting, Trying To Kidnap Women

CONCORD, CA — A Concord man was being held in lieu of $1.05 million bail Thursday in connection with two separate sexual battery and attempted kidnapping cases reported last week in Concord.

According to Concord police, a woman was walking the morning of Thursday, Dec. 8, on Minert Road near Oak Grove Road when a man came up behind her, grabbed her, and attempted to kidnap her.

The following day, Friday, Dec. 9, the same suspect returned and sexually assaulted another woman who was walking in the same area, police said.

Concord police were able to get the license plate number of the suspect's car, which eventually led them to his Concord home. Later that day, detectives arrested 22-year-old Rafael Mendoza-Reyes.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday filed four felony charges against Mendoza-Reyes, including battery, attempted kidnapping to commit another crime, sexual battery by restraint, and assault with intent to commit a felony.

Concord police say Mendoza-Reyes was arrested last June by Contra Costa County sheriff's deputies after he allegedly sexually assaulted an Alamo woman who was gardening in her front yard. He was convicted of a felony but his prison sentence was suspended and he was released four months later.

"Our investigation is ongoing, and we believe there may be additional victims in the community who have not reported to the police," Concord police said. "Other law enforcement agencies in the area have been notified of the case. However, we encourage anyone who may have been victimized or had any contact with the suspect to please contact CPD Detectives."

Police asked anyone with information to contact Detective Juan Piceno with CPD's Special Victims Unit at 925-671-3235.

— Bay City News Service contributed to this report.