Woman fights off attacker — twice — before deputies arrest man

GILROY >> Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Gilroy man on suspicion of assault after he allegedly entered the home of a woman who fought him off twice and escaped last weekend, officials said.

Hipolito Martinez, 34, went into the home of a neighbor Sunday afternoon in the 11500 block of Columbet Avenue, in unincorporated Gilroy, and tried to rip off her clothes, according to a statement by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim struggled with him, but she eventually broke free and ran outside. Martinez dragged her back inside, but she escaped a second time and ran for help, according to the statement.

Deputies found Martinez hiding in a culvert nearby a short time later and arrested him. He is being held without bail at the Elmwood men’s jail, and has been charged with felony assault with the intent to commit a specified sex crime during the commission of a firstdegree burglary.

Sheriff Laurie Smith commended the victim for her bravery, calling her actions “heroic” with a broader benefit to her community.

“Her ability to fight off her attacker and call for help, lead to this quick apprehension and likely saved future women from being victimized by this individual,” Smith said in a statement.

Anyone with information for Sheriff’s investigators can contact 408-808-4500.