Man arrested after attempted home invasion

A Mountain View man suspected of inappropriately touching women in downtown Mountain View was arrested Wednesday night after he reportedly tried to barge through the door of a woman’s home, police said in a statement.

The victim told police that she had heard a loud pounding on the door of her home, located on the 500 block of Central Avenue, around 5:20 p.m. Jan. 9 and couldn’t see who was outside because the peephole was covered. When she cracked open the door to see who was outside, the suspect allegedly tried to push his way inside.

The woman was able to close the door and call police, who said they found a man matching the description one block away.

Officers recognized the 52-year-old suspect as the same man who had allegedly “inappropriately touched” at least two women on Castro Street the night before, both of which occurred between 5:30 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. on Jan. 8. Police say he grabbed the women and then continued walking in both incidents.

The man was arrested on suspicion of burglary, sexual battery and assault with intent to commit a felony.

Police suspect that the man may have committed sexual battery on or tried to force his way into the home of other victims, and are encouraging anyone who may have been a victim to contact Sgt. Dan Vicencio at dan.vicencio@mountainview.gov. A photo of the suspect is available on the Mountain View Police Department’s website.

The Voice’s policy is to withhold the names and photos of those arrested for most crimes until the District Attorney has determined there is sufficient evidence to file charges in the case.