Police Checking For More Possible Victims Of Martinez Rape Suspect

EAST BAY, CA — Christopher Owens, 39 of Martinez, was charged this week with multiple counts of rape and sex assault crimes that occurred in East Bay cities, including Concord, Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill since 2017. Now area law enforcement agenices are seeking any additional victims.

"There may be more victims and incidents not known to law enforcement, or not yet connected to Owens," the Concord Police Department said. "It is suspected that Owens has committed rapes in multiple jurisdictions over many years."

Detectives said Owens is linked to a March 2017 rape in Walnut Creek, an August 2017 rape in Concord and an attempted rape in October 2020 in Pleasant Hill, plus sexual assaults reported this year in the Pacheco area, the agency said.

• RELATED: East Bay Rape Suspect Arrested For Multiple Sex Assaults From 2017

The Contra Costa District Attorney's Office on Monday charged Owens with several felonies, including three counts of rape, assault with intent to commit rape, forced oral copulation, sexual penetration by a foreign object, elder abuse and sexual battery, deputies said.

After reviewing the unsolved cases, investigators said Owens' pattern was to drive around looking for what appeared to be homeless women, then offering them rides in his car before assaulting them, police said.

Any possible victims are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agencies, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, or Concord police detective Kaitlyn Revel, who is investigating the 2017 case. Revel can be reached at 925-603-5864. Reference case number 17-12724. Phone calls also can be made anonymously.

ALSO SEE:

• Concord Construction Alert: Weekend Project Planned
• Broadway Plaza Smash-And-Grab: Suspect, 19, Arrested
• Ygnacio Valley Road Reopens After Serious Injury Crash In Walnut Creek
• Pleasant Hill Cops Now Ride DualSport Suzuki For Park & Trail Patrols