A 43-year-old Manteca man was arrested Tuesday after it was reported that he choked and sexually assaulted a masseuse at a day spa on Center Street.
Joshua Williamson was arrested by Manteca Police officers a few blocks away from the scene. He is currently being held in San Joaquin County Superior Court on charges of attempted rape, assault to commit rape and sexual battery.
His bail amount has been set at $825,000. He is set to appear in Department I of the Manteca Branch of the San Joaquin County Superior Court today at 1:30 p.m.
According to a report released by police Wednesday afternoon, officers responded to an assault call at the business and when they arrived discovered that one of the employees had been choked by Williamson during an attempt to procure sex from the transaction. The victim was able to escape to nearby businesses and call for help, which triggered the police response.
Investigators eventually determined that the victim was also sexually assaulted and received minor injuries during the exchange. She declined medical attention on the scene.
When patrol units spotted Williamson several blocks away he was taken into custody without incident. By the time officers caught up with Williamson – who had started down North Sherman Ave. when he left the business and continued on to East North Street – he had taken his shirt off.
Ripon suspect charged
with intent to commit
rape in court Oct. 9
Back in June Ripon officers arrested 34-year-old Jose Vasquez Sanchez – a Hughson native – after he chased a group of young women through an oak grove on the Stanislaus River with a short-barreled shotgun, proclaiming his need at the time for sex. A Ripon High wrestler became a hero when he doubled back to disarm the man and hold him down until authorities arrived.
He is currently being held in the San Joaquin County Jail on charges that include assault with a firearm with the intent to commit rape, assault with a firearm on a person and indecent exposure. He is being kept on $2 million bail, and is set to appear before a judge on Oct. 9 in Department 35 of the San Joaquin County Superior Court. The hearing will begin at 8:30 a.m.
To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.
