Man’s Courage Should Inspire Others : Neighbor is honored for heroism after he chased a serial rapist from a woman’s home

Back in May, in this space, we noted that we were appalled by the story of the 74-year-old Porter Ranch woman whose cries for help went unheeded as she struggled and then died at the hands of a murderer.

Her screams were heard by residents of the 195-unit condominium complex in which she lived, but more than three hours passed before anyone called the police.

Fortunately, we now have an example of high regard for the well-being of one’s neighbors.

In August, 1991, a serial rapist began stalking women and attacking them at home in the early morning hours. He gained entrance through unlocked doors or open windows.

It was on such a morning that Roger Sanchez of Glendale awakened to a nearby commotion. One of his neighbors was disabled and Sanchez felt that it was best to check on her. When he stood outside her bedroom window and asked if she was OK, she answered that she was being raped.

Sanchez climbed through the window and chased his neighbor’s attacker out of the house. The description of the suspect that Sanchez provided to police helped lead to the rapist’s eventual arrest.

In the process, Sanchez aided in the arrest and conviction of a man for 28 counts of rape, burglary and robbery, according to a Times reporter. The rapist was subsequently sentenced to 159 years in state prison.

Sanchez was finally honored for his heroism at a ceremony this week before the Northridge Rotary Club.

We do not suggest that it is proper for citizens to chase suspects who might be armed and dangerous. The rapist might have had a weapon. But we do applaud Sanchez for his courage and his spirited sense of compassion for his neighbors. If one citizen is willing to do so much, surely the rest of us can summon the courage it takes to call the police when we hear a cry for help.