SANTA CRUZ — A man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly trying to sexually assault a woman as she walked in downtown Santa Cruz, and fighting a police officer who came to arrest him, Santa Cruz Police Lt. Warren Barry said.
Daisuke Muro, 41, was charged with attempted sexual assault and resisting a police officer. He was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.
According to Barry, the woman was walking in the area of the Town Clock in the area of Water and Knight streets at about 7 p.m. when Muro grabbed her.
During the struggle Muro pulled the woman to the ground and began to rip her clothes, and attempted to pull her pants off. People who heard the woman screaming came to intervene, and pulled the woman up from under Muro.
Muro then stripped naked and began to masturbate in public, Barry said.
Daisuke Muro
As an officer arrived on scene, Muro charged at the officer and attempted to punch him. The officer defended himself and pulled Muro to the ground and, with the help of a witness, arrested Muro.
The victim suffered abrasions to her arms and legs, and is working with a victim advocate, Barry said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call Santa Cruz Police Investigations at 420-5820. Anonymous tips can be made at 420-5995.
