Four women were sexually assaulted within minutes Tuesday on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, police said. A homeless sex offender, 43-year-old Frank Benavidez, was arrested on charges of assault with intent to commit rape, sexual battery, and false imprisonment.The disturbing incident began at 11:07 a.m., when a man groped a woman near a bus station. The woman fought him off and called 911. The second victim was walking on a sidewalk along Pacific Avenue when Benavidez "grabbed and physically assaulted her," police said. "Two good Samaritans who witnessed the attack intervened. (He) then ran across the street and grabbed a third woman from behind," police said. When the third victim fought off Benavidez, he chased a fourth woman, and threatened to sexually assault her.A "quick-acting SCPD officer" stopped Benavidez, and police took him into custody, a police spokesperson said. Benavidez is a former Salinas resident who recently registered as a transient sex offender in the City of Santa Cruz. Detectives are reviewing surveillance cameras and believe there may have been more victims who were sexually attacked. Anyone with information about additional victims is asked to call the Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-420-5820.

Four women were sexually assaulted within minutes Tuesday on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, police said.

A homeless sex offender, 43-year-old Frank Benavidez, was arrested on charges of assault with intent to commit rape, sexual battery, and false imprisonment.


The disturbing incident began at 11:07 a.m., when a man groped a woman near a bus station. The woman fought him off and called 911.

The second victim was walking on a sidewalk along Pacific Avenue when Benavidez "grabbed and physically assaulted her," police said.

"Two good Samaritans who witnessed the attack intervened. (He) then ran across the street and grabbed a third woman from behind," police said.

When the third victim fought off Benavidez, he chased a fourth woman, and threatened to sexually assault her.

A "quick-acting SCPD officer" stopped Benavidez, and police took him into custody, a police spokesperson said.

Benavidez is a former Salinas resident who recently registered as a transient sex offender in the City of Santa Cruz.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance cameras and believe there may have been more victims who were sexually attacked.

Anyone with information about additional victims is asked to call the Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-420-5820.