Man Allegedly Sexually Assaulted, Robbed Woman After Kidnapping Her From Mall Parking; Arrested

KEY POINTS

The accused kidnapped the woman and forced her to drive to a secluded parking lot
The victim managed to drive to nearby convenience store and called the police
The accused had a prior arrest for a similar incident that took place in early 2022

A man has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman at a California mall.

The incident occurred in a parking lot of the MainPlace Mall at about 7 p.m. Monday, Santa Ana Police Department said Wednesday.

A 19-year-old woman was shopping at the mall when Quinnton Xavier Roberson, 28, started following her. He continued to stalk the woman, while she was shopping, and followed her until she went to her vehicle. At that moment, he kidnapped the woman and forced her to drive to a secluded parking lot in the 400 block of South Flower Street in Orange city, where he sexually assaulted her and robbed her, NBC reported.

"Roberson sexually assaulted the victim, stole her personal property and fled from the scene," the police said in a statement.

The victim managed to drive to a nearby convenience store and call the Orange Police Department. Santa Ana officers and detectives responded to the crime, and initiated an investigation, as per CBS.

"It is through the diligent efforts of our detectives from the Special Crimes Section, who worked tirelessly through the night, that this violent and dangerous suspect was taken into custody within 24 hours of the crime being reported to our department," Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin said.

He added the crimes committed by the suspect "involved some of the most heinous acts of violence against an innocent victim going about her day."

"This crime should have never occurred; the suspect should not have been walking our communities lurking and targeting the next victim," Valentin said.

Roberson was booked at the Orange County Jail on charges of kidnapping, robbery, and sexual assault, and his bail was set at $1 million. The police further revealed he had a prior arrest for a similar incident that took place in early 2022 in Orange County. He also had a previous conviction for assault with a deadly weapon.

"Detectives believe Roberson may have committed other similar crimes, and they urged anyone with relevant information to contact Detective M. Thomas at 714-245-8346, or at mthomas@santa-ana.org."