TUSTIN (CNS) - A 24-year-old Santa Ana man on probation was behind bars today on suspicion of attempting to kill and rape a 75-year-old woman.
Fernando Valdovinos was arrested Saturday afternoon when Tustin police saw three people in the victim's stolen car, according to Tustin police.
A 16-year-old girl, who was on probation for robbery, was booked in juvenile hall on suspicion of carjacking and conspiracy, police said.
Police were called at 10:30 a.m. Friday to 600 W. 6th St. to help a partially nude, unresponsive woman in the bushes near a parking lot, police said. The victim had “extensive facial injuries,” police said.
The victim was rushed to a hospital, where she remains in critical condition, police said.
Valdovinos is accused of striking the victim multiple times in the face before sexually assaulting her, and after the attack he and the teen allegedly stole the victim's vehicle, police said.
Police suspect the woman was attacked Thursday night and was left in the parking lot until she was found about 14 hours later.
Valdovinos was booked on suspicion of attempted murder, attempted rape, carjacking, elder abuse and other sex crimes.
Valdovinos pleaded guilty in July 2019 to car theft, possession of burglary tools and driving without a valid license, all misdemeanors and was on three years of probation, according to court records.