Attempted Rape Suspect Cornered And Attacked Woman On Berkeley Elevator: Police

BERKELEY, CA — A man accused of following a woman onto an elevator and attacking her at a Berkeley apartment complex has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, police said Wednesday.

Police say Sean Johnson, 40, started following the woman into her apartment building in Downtown Berkeley around 3 p.m. Saturday.

When they got onto the elevator, Johnson cornered her and exposed himself, the Berkeley Police Department said Wednesday.

Johnson groped the woman until the elevator reached a floor and she managed to escape, police said.

She called for help, and Johnson fled, going next door to a neighboring garage to hide, police said.

When officers arrived, they located Johnson and took him into custody on suspicion of attempted rape, police said.

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office has since filed charges of attempted rape, false imprisonment, burglary and sexual battery against Johnson, police said Wednesday.