As a man suspected in a string of North Park attacks faces new escape charges, prosecutors are revealing more details about what allegedly happened in sheriff’s custody.
David Angelo Drake II, 24, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to escape allegations, which stem from a July 30 incident — two weeks after he was bound over for trial.
According to Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Tag, deputies were preparing to take Drake to court when he tried to get away.
When his waist and ankle chains were removed in a holding area, Drake started to run, Tag said. Deputies caught up with him after a short chase.
As they tried to recapture him, a deputy was kicked in the side of the head, and another got a cut to his hand, according to Tag. Drake was taken to a hospital as a precaution before he returned to court the next day, when a judge set his trial for Nov. 16.
Drake will be tried on 18 felony charges. He is suspected of carrying out attacks on seven women in North Park streets.
Each alleged victim tells a similar story: someone ran up from behind and attacked them, punching them in the face to knock them unconscious.
Some of the women were sexually assaulted in the series, which took place between June 2014 and August 2014. However, none of the women saw who attacked them, nor do they remember seeing Drake before.
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At his preliminary hearing, experts testified that DNA and fingerprint evidence ties Drake to the attacks.
Drake has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. If convicted, he could face 100 years to life in prison.
Here is the list of assaults that took place last year:
June 11, 2014: A woman told police she was thrown to the ground by one attacker on 33rd Street. Defendant is charged with sexual penetration (use of force), assault with intent to commit a specific felony and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury.
June 21: A woman was walking along Lincoln Avenue at 9:20 p.m. when she said two men attempted to attack her. Defendant is charged with assault to commit a specific felony and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury.
June 24: A woman was walking along Lincoln Avenue near Oregon Street and was knocked unconscious in an attack from behind, police said. Defendant is charged with sexual penetration (use of force), assault with intent to commit a specific felony and assault with intent to commit a specific felony.
July 20: A woman was knocked out while walking near the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Kansas Street around 1:20 a.m. Defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit a specific felony and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury.
Aug. 12: Defendant is charged with sexual penetration (use of force), robbery and assault with intent to commit a specific felony.
Aug. 28: The victim was attacked from behind, punched in the face and knocked out. She screamed for help and the suspect ran away, avoiding capture. Defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit a specific felony and assault by means to produce great bodily injury.
