Beach Resident’s Arrest Linked to Series of Rapes

Police believe they may have ended a two-year string of rapes in the La Jolla and Pacific Beach area with the arrest of a 43-year-old beach resident.

Barrett B. Littleton was arrested Friday while walking in the 4300 block of Cass Street, about nine blocks from his home. He was booked on suspicion of 13 felony charges, including rape, sexual assault, attempted rape and burglary. He was being held Saturday in the County Jail downtown.

Police said the charges against Littleton cover attacks on seven women since 1986 in cases where the victims were assaulted after an intruder slipped into their homes and apartments through an unlocked patio door or window.

18 Attacks Reported

A total of 18 assaults have occurred between June 28, 1986, and Sept. 14 of this year, and police spokesman Bill Robinson said authorities are now reviewing evidence to see whether Littleton matches the suspect description in any of the remaining 11 attacks.

Robinson said the Sept. 14 rape and burglary is one of the cases on which Littleton is being held.

“He may be questioned regarding the entire series,” Robinson said.

“All of these 18 crimes occurred in generally the same area, and the method of entry was the same. He would enter through unlocked patio doors or windows, and in the latest case, Sept. 14, it was an unlocked window.

“The victims were usually asleep when approached, and most of the assaults occurred in the early morning. Many of them lived alone.”

The arrest comes after a community drive by police and residents to alert women about the increasing number of attacks.

“One group passed out flyers advising females at apartment complexes that the series was ongoing, and to remember to lock their windows and patio doors,” Robinson said. “Now, with help from the victims and witnesses, the police sex-crimes detail may be able to close this series.”