* David James Battensby Arrested for Alleged Attempt to Rape Woman on Mark West Springs Road in Larkfield

Published by Junior Staff Writer on July 28, 2009

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The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Santa Rosa man early this morning on suspicion of attempting to rape a woman in her Larkfield apartment. Lt. Chris Spallino said the suspect, 38-year-old David James Battensby, entered an apartment in the 100 block of Mark West Springs Road through a sliding glass door. The 46-year-old victim said she was awakened by a stranger shortly after midnight who attempted to sexually assault her, Spallino said. The woman fought off the attack and ran to a friend’s apartment. Another neighbor heard the woman scream for help and saw the suspect run past her. Deputies located Battensby in a vacant apartment nearby and he was identified as the assailant, Spallino said. He was booked into the Sonoma County jail for attempted rape, sexual battery, false imprisonment and burglary. His bail is $100,000. The woman said she left the sliding glass door open slightly to cool off the apartment, Spallino said. The sheriff’s department reminded residents to lock their doors and windows or to install safety devices that prevent them from being opened completely.