Corona Man Charged With Allegedly Raping Prostitute
Thursday, Jan 7, 2010 | Updated 3:03 PM PDT
A 29-year-old unemployed Corona man was charged Tuesday with raping a prostitute and trying to sexually assault another one, who fought back with a knife and escaped, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office.
Gilberto Cruz Silva picked up a prostitute about 2 a.m. Sunday in his 1997 Chevrolet Astro van on Harbor Boulevard in Santa Ana, according to Susan Kang Schroeder of the District Attorney's office.
Silva drove the woman to a mobile home park, parked in a secluded area and raped her at knifepoint, Schroeder said. The woman later went to hospital, where authorities were notified.
Silva picked up another prostitute in the same area in the same van about 4 a.m. and drove back to the mobile home park, where he pulled out his knife and demanded sex, Schroeder said.
The woman pulled her own knife, but Silva stabbed her and head-butted her as he threatened to kill her, Schroeder said. She managed to get away, and witnesses called 911.
Silva crashed into several parked cars while trying to get away, Schroeder said. He went to the hospital for his knife wounds and said he was attacked by a prostitute, Schroeder said.
Silva's arraignment, scheduled for Tuesday, was put off until Oct. 9. He is charged with felony forcible rape, assault with the intent to commit rape, and criminal threats. He also faces two misdemeanors for a hit-and-run resulting in property damage and driving without a valid license. If convicted he faces up to 36 years to life in prison.
Anyone with more information that could help the investigation is asked to call Supervising District Attorney Investigator Randy Litwin at 714-347- 8794.
