Suspect Arrested in Laguna Beach Woman’s Rape

Authorities arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of rape after the victim made a daring escape by jumping from her bedroom window to a neighbor’s balcony and yelling to a police unit for help as it patrolled the neighborhood.

Elroy Eugene Howard was apprehended after police surrounded the building about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, authorities said. He was arrested on suspicion of rape, burglary and robbery.

The woman, who was in her 30s, was asleep when Howard allegedly broke into her second-floor apartment on Oak Street by forcing open the door, police said. The victim did not awaken until the suspect attacked her, saying that he had a knife in his back pocket and would use it if she resisted, police said.

He then raped the victim, police alleged. Afterward, he allegedly demanded money, but the woman said she had nothing. About that time, a police unit pulled up on the street on an unrelated call.

The suspect was distracted long enough for the victim to make it to a window and jump to the balcony of an adjacent apartment. She then shouted to the police officers, who radioed for assistance and captured Howard.

Police said the victim sustained minor neck bruises from being grabbed by the suspect and a cut lip when he put his hand over her mouth to keep her from screaming.