Transient Arrested For Allegedly Groping 4 Women In Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Police in Santa Cruz arrested a transient man who allegedly groped four women Tuesday morning. At 11:07 a.m., officers responded to a call of sexual battery that had just occurred in the 900 block of Pacific Avenue, according to police. The first victim fought off the suspect when he sexually groped her near a bus station, police said.

The second victim was walking on the sidewalk when the suspect grabbed and assaulted her. She pushed him off but he allegedly attacked her a second time before two good Samaritans witnessed the attack and intervened, police said. The suspect then ran across the street and grabbed a third woman from behind.

She fought him off by punching and kicking him, police said. The suspect then chased a fourth victim and threatened and sexually assaulted her, police said. Police arrived and located the suspect, identified as 43-year-old Frank Benavidez of Salinas.

Benavidez is a recently registered sex offender and transient in the city of Santa Cruz, police said.
Benavidez was arrested on suspicion of multiple counts of assault with intent to commit rape, sexual battery and false imprisonment, police said.

According to police, the victims were traumatized by the attack, but none required medical attention.
Investigators are reviewing video surveillance in the area because they believe there may be more victims in a series of groping attacks in Santa Cruz, police said.

Police are asking the public for help in identifying additional victims who may have had contact with Benavidez. Anyone with information is asked to call Santa Cruz police at (831) 420-5820.
Anonymous tips can be called to a tip line at (831) 420-5995.

By Bay City News

Photo courtesy Renee Schiavone/ Patch