Man arrested for attempting to rape woman in front of her young child in SoCal

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. -- A homeless man is in custody after allegedly trying to rape a mother in front of her toddler in San Bernardino.

Gabriel Emmanuel removed two bedroom window screens to get into a home in the 6300 block of N. Olive Street around 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to San Bernardino police.

Officers say the victim and her 3-year-old daughter were inside when she tried to stop Emmanuel from entering the home. The suspect claimed he was being followed by another male.

When the victim tried to use her phone to call for help, police say Emmanuel knocked the phone out of her hand. The woman then tried to leave the home but was stopped by Emmanuel.

The victim's toddler saw Emmanuel and began crying, and the suspect allegedly threatened the victim, saying if she didn't want the child hurt, she had to comply.

Emmanuel forced the victim into her bedroom and locked himself inside with the victim, police say. He then removed his clothing and attempted to sexually assault the woman, who was able to fight him off and scream for help.

He fled on foot but was later arrested.