Westminster : Neighbors Catch, Hold Attempted-Rape Suspect
A Norwalk man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and attempted rape early Wednesday after apartment residents, awakened by a neighbor’s screams, reportedly chased the suspect and held him for authorities, police said.
Frank Lee Nimtz, 38, was taken into custody without incident, said crime prevention officer Robert Amren.
Amren said the victim’s apartment in the 8300 block of Westminster Avenue was entered about 2:40 a.m. by a man who removed the screen of an open window. The victim, a 51-year-old woman, was awakened by the man lying on top of her, Amren said.
When the woman resisted and screamed for help, the man hit her in the face and tried to cover her mouth to keep her quiet, Amren said. The victim continued to scream, and the suspect fled through the window.
Amren said neighbors reported being awakened by the screams, saw a man and chased him to the front of the apartment complex. When police arrived, Nimtz was being detained by neighbors, according to Amren.
The victim was treated at Humana Hospital Westminster for bruises and facial injuries and was released, he said.
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