Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Robbery, Attempted Rape In Fontana

FONTANA (CBSLA.com) — Police Wednesday announced the arrest of an 18-year-old man suspected of attempting to rape a woman while she watched fireworks.

Shortly before 1 a.m. on Sunday, officers received a 911 call reporting a possible rape in progress.

Officers were sent to a field located in the 17600 block of Foothill Boulevard to investigate.

Upon their arrival, police observed a man attacking a woman. She yelled for help that she was being raped.

A preliminary investigation revealed the suspect -- who was later identified as Jose Contreras -- stole the victim's purse during the attack, and attempted to force the victim's pants off while he threatened to kill her, according to the Fontana Police Department.

Police said the victim sustained injuries to her face and head from being punched multiple times by Contreras.

Officers apprehended Contreras after a brief struggle.

He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center for robbery and attempted rape.