Woman Assaulted on High School Campus

A woman was raped at knifepoint in a bathroom at Newbury Park High School shortly after dark, prompting school officials Wednesday to beef up security and stress safety to teachers and students.

“You don’t think it can happen in Newbury Park,” Principal Max Beaman said. “It’s a shock.”

The woman, who was attending a night class, was in a rest room at about 6 p.m. Tuesday when a man approached her with a knife and sexually assaulted her, Ventura County sheriff’s deputies said. She received a minor wound during the attack, Det. Robert Sparks said.

Deputies searched the area around the school for the rapist, who remains at large.

“We have some leads that we’re following up on,” Sparks said.

The rapist is described as a white male in his late teens or early 20s, about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 190 to 200 pounds.

Authorities said the man has blue eyes, and during the attack wore a knit mask over his face, baggy shorts and a black sweat shirt.

The attack sent a chill through the faculty, staff members and students at the school.

Beaman said teachers were alerted about the attack in a memorandum Wednesday morning before school started, and that students were informed during second period.

Teachers and students were cautioned to avoid walking alone after dark and to stay on guard for any suspicious people or activity.

A letter was also sent home to parents Wednesday informing them of the assault and offering tips on how their children can avoid becoming crime victims.

“We’re also going to beef up our security during after-school hours in the evenings and during some weekends,” Beaman said.

An award of up to $1,000 is being offered by Ventura County Crime Stoppers for any information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the rapist.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to call 494-TALK in Thousand Oaks and Moorpark, or 987-TALK in Camarillo, Oxnard or Port Hueneme. Callers may remain anonymous.

Individuals can also call the east valley sheriff’s major crimes unit at (805) 494-8201.