PALMDALE – Authorities have arrested the man who allegedly tried to rape a 17-year-old girl on her way home from school in Palmdale Wednesday afternoon.
Marlon Crowell, 33, was booked at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on felony charges of Attempted Rape and Assault with Intent to Commit Rape.
Detectives are now seeking the “Good Samaritan” who assisted the teenager immediately following the incident.
The following is the press report from the Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau:
On Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at approximately 1:15 p.m., a 17 year-old girl was walking home from school on the 38000 block of Sierra Highway in Palmdale, when she was allegedly confronted by the suspect.
The suspect blocked her path and began asking questions that were inappropriate and frightening to the victim. She attempted to get away several times, when the suspect grabbed her by the collar of her blouse tearing it open.
The victim said she struggled to get away, striking the suspect with her hands.
She then threw her backpack to the ground, managed to break free, and ran to a nearby parking lot where she met a “Good Samaritan” who drove her home.
After reporting the assault to Palmdale Sheriff’s deputies, the victim’s mother saw the possible suspect and alerted deputies.
Deputies arrived, identified 33-year old Suspect Marlon Crowell, and arrested him.
He was booked at Palmdale Sheriff’s Station on felony charges of Attempted Rape and Assault with Intent to Commit Rape. His bail was set at $100,000.00.
Detectives are asking the “Good Samaritan” who may have witnessed the assault to contact the Sheriff’s Special Victims Bureau at 877-710-5273.
UPDATED 9/8/12: Marlon Crowell reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges Friday (Sept. 7).
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Just A Thought.. says
“After reporting the assault to Palmdale Sheriff’s deputies, the victim’s mother saw the possible suspect and alerted deputies.”
Her mother saw the possible suspect..I’m glad she’s safe and all, but really, how would her mom know who it was? Was she there? Was she looking for the guy? How did she know this was the man?
Sandrita says
Thank you Good Samaritan. I also watch out for young people as I drive around running errands, etc. Many times, I’ve seen young girls and boys walking alone, and hope they’ll be safe. I’ve made legal u-turns if I see suspicious behavior (a car slowing down to talk to a young person) because you just never know now-a-days. The person you rescue is important. I am happy to know that the suspect was caught and arrested. But we all need to remember that there far too many sexual predators that we as law-abiding and caring citizens need to be watchful of as we need to save our children, adults, ourselves, etc.
This young lady was very lucky because she is still alive thanks to the Good Samaritan.
In closing, we all need to be vigilantes!
David Cox says
This story could have had a very sad ending but for the efforts and actions of the Good Samaritan involved. Here’s someone who either saw or was approached by the victim, made a very quick on the spot decision to help, and take the young person to safety in the care of her mother as it turned out. Would I do the same kind of thing to assist someone in time of need? I hope so.
Here’s another instance of where it’s vitally important for folks to break the “code of inaction and silence” that is all too prevelant and when something goes wrong with someone who is being taken advantage of, do the right thing and provide assistance. Thank God this Good Samaritan did so.
I’m guessing the young person involved was walking home from Palmdale High School. Walking home with another person is helpful to increase your own safety in such a situation. I hope PHS will address this incident and let their students know ways to avoid these types of attempts for their own students’ safety and well being.
William says
David Cox, you never did acknowledge that you distorted my comment from a couple weeks ago, then disappeared for a while.
Welcome back. I’m still waiting for your apology. Or did you ‘forget’?
Michelle Egberts says
@Tim Wright… I can only hope that this young lady and her family apply for victims compensation and assistance through the Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board that offers help through such a traumatic experience. http://www.vcgcb.ca.gov/
really says
Michelle is all to familiar with this fund. She through her past criminal activity has done her part to keep this fund solvent for future generations of victims. She is the type of person we need in our community, willing to perpetrate crimes today so that victims tommorrow will have a safety net….
Its also great to know that there are good folks like that dingbat Janice that are here to be sure that when Marlon Crowell gets released he doesnt have to live with the shame of registering as a sex offender. I mean cmon people this guy has rights too…
And to the good samaritan… If you are a man, might I suggest the next time you become involved in something like that, picture the young lady as your daughter. Would you just drive your daughter home? You should have asked her to direct you to the man, removed the tire iron from your trunk and beaten the living… I mean used the amount of force neccesary to detain the suspect and affect a citizens arrest.
All that being said I hope this young lady is Ok and that it shows the rest of us that there are predators out there…
Tim Wright says
Michelle Egberts and Janice will be there with open arms and a gift basket to welcome this guy with open arms when he is released from prison. Pathetic bitches!
Dewayne says
That’s crazy!!