2 Men Allegedly Kidnapped, Sexually Assaulted Woman Walking Home In California

Two men were charged Friday with allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 27-year-old woman who was walking home in Huntington Beach, California, last week.

The two suspects, who reportedly worked as cooks, were identified as 47-year-old Florentino Bacilio and 30-year-old Angel Lopezevaristo, both of Long Beach, the Los Angeles Times reported. They are each facing one count of kidnapping to commit rape, one count of sodomy and one felony count of forcible sexual penetration with a foreign object, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Huntington Beach police previously said that one of the suspects was named Angel Evaristo, but the district attorney's office identified him as Lopezevaristo, KTLA noted.

The two suspects allegedly stopped their vehicle and grabbed the woman off the street while she was walking home from downtown Huntington Beach before midnight on June 6. She was allegedly gagged, choked and sexually assaulted until she lost consciousness, officials stated when the defendants appeared in court Friday.

After she regained consciousness and fought back, the men allegedly threw her out of their vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway. The victim was able to flag down a passing motorist, who helped her report the incident to authorities.

The woman was immediately brought to a local hospital for treatment for her numerous injuries. She has since been released.

The two men were arrested in Long Beach and had no relation to the woman, according to police.

“Being grabbed off the street, gagged, and sexually assaulted is the stuff nightmares are made of,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a news release. “That nightmare became reality for this victim and thankfully, by the grace of God, she survived. No woman should have to live in fear that a walk home would result in the horror she was forced to endure.”

If convicted on all the charges, the two suspects face 57 years to life in prison. Their arraignment is set to continue on June 30.

Detectives at the Huntington Beach Police Department asked those who may have further information tied to the case to call (714) 375-5066. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Anonymous Crime Reporting Hotline at (800) 78-CRIME.