A victim of attempted rape by someone she knew was left with minor injures and burns from a stun gun.
The female victim was at her apartment on K Street doing work on the computer while her sister left for class at UC Davis on May 6. Mid-afternoon, her sister’s friend, a 26-year-old male, shot her with a stun gun and attempted to rape her.
The victim was able break away from the situation and found a kitchen knife, which she used to stab the suspect several times in the leg. She then fled her apartment.
The alleged attacker, Hoang Nguyen from San Jose, was treated for the stabbings. The victim was treated for contact burns from the stun gun and minor bruises and injuries from the attack.
Davis Police recommended Hoang face charges of assault with intent to commit rape, assault with a stun gun and false imprisonment, said Davis Police Lt. Thomas Waltz.
On Monday, Hoang was arraigned, and the preliminary hearing determines what charges he faces and if the case will go to trial. He was staying at the apartment, but the District Attorney’s office will decide if he is guilty of entry by force as well, since he was not in the apartment when the victim’s sister left for class.
Lt. Waltz said Davis still faces crimes like any other city.
“Davis is like any other place. We have our share of crime,” he said. “It’s a relatively safe place, but that shouldn’t let people drop their guard.”
What makes this case unique is the victim knew the suspect, unlike many sexual assault cases involving a stranger or while on a date. Also, a weapon was used in the assault, which is less common, Waltz said.
On campus, UC Davis has resources for victims of sexual assault. The Campus Violence Prevention Program (CVPP) serves as an advocate and much more for students, faculty and staff.
“Our focus isn’t really on victims preventing their own assaults,” said CVPP Education and Outreach Coordinator Sarah Meredith.
Instead CVPP gives victims tools and support to combat any emotional, medical or legal issues following an attack.
“CVPP provides advocacy, accompaniment and crisis intervention,” Meredith said. “Confidentiality is an issue. These are not topics people want to shout about.”
SASHA LEKACH can be reached at city@theaggie.org.
