Woman's Screams Lead Deputies to Sex Assault Suspect

Deputies at the Prominence Apartments on S. Twin Oaks Valley Road heard a woman scream

A woman’s screams alerted San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputies to a man who officials say sexually assaulted two women he and his girifriend had just met Tuesday in San Marcos.

Garth Clem, 37, is in custody, accused of multiple charges including assault with the intent to commit rape, false imprisonment, sexual battery, kidnapping and resisting arrest.

Clem and his girlfriend went to the Prominence Apartments on S. Twin Oaks Valley Road after meeting two women at a nearby restaurant.

Once inside, deputies say Clem sexually assaulted the two women and got into a physical fight with his girlfriend.

The two alleged sexual assault victims were able to escape and help direct deputies to the apartment where they say Clem was holding his girlfriend against her will. That's when deputies heard a woman scream.

Deputies used a sheriff’s K-9 to get Clem into custody. Officials say Clem was treated at a local hospital for the dog bite.

The girlfriend was treated at a nearby hospital for soreness and minor cuts, according to deputies.

Clem was booked into the Vista Detention Facility and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday.

Clem, a former Camp Pendleton Marine, was a real estate agent in the North County coastal area until his license expired about two years ago, records show. His former employer said he was let go from his job as a result.

Contact Us