Downtown San Diego

3 Hospitalized in String of Attacks, Including Sexual Assault, in Downtown San Diego: Police

In one attack, the man struck a person at a grocery store with a wine bottle, police said

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Police arrested a man who attacked three people in three separate incidents in downtown San Diego on Sunday, sending them all to nearby hospitals, according to San Diego police.

SDPD booked Robert Dudley, who was described as in his 30s and wearing a Padres jersey during the assaults, into San Diego County Jail on eight charges including robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and assault to commit a felony or serious sex crime, SDPD said.

Dudley is in custody being held on a bail of more than $270,000 and his arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Attack #1:

The first attack reported to police was at the parking garage of Horton Plaza in 900 block of 4th Avenue, where Dudley approached the victim asking for money, then stole a victim's keys and hit him with a wood two-by-four, according to San Diego Police Department Officer John Buttle. The victim was left bleeding from the head and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Dudley faces attempted robbery and assault charges in the attack.

Attack #2:

Officers received reports of a sexual assault while investigating the first assault, police said.

A woman was sexually assaulted and struck near the Happy Head massage parlor on Market Street, according to police. The woman was taken to the hospital.

Her description of the suspect matched the description given by the first victim.

Officers who responded to that assault noticed a man who matched that description in the area and arrested him, but with difficulty, police said.

Attack #3:

While arresting the suspect, police got word of another assault inside or near the Ralph's grocery store on 101 G. St.

The third victim was struck in the head and face with a wine bottle and transported to a hospital, according to SDPD.

San Diego police say the same man, the one who was arrested at the second incident, is responsible for all three crimes.

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