Oxnard barricade ends peacefully; sexual assault suspect in custody

OXNARD, Calif. (KABC) -- A sexual assault suspect barricaded himself inside an Oxnard apartment Sunday morning, forcing evacuations and street closures.

Oxnard police responded to the 3500 block of Samuel Avenue at about 7 a.m. following a report of a sexual assault and possible kidnapping. Upon arrival, the officers learned the suspect was possibly still in the area and attempted to make contact with him.

Six apartments were evacuated as officers tried to coax the suspect out of the unit.

The suspect surrendered to SWAT officers after approximately two hours. He was identified as Lawrence Beasley, 41, of Oxnard.

Beasley was arrested for several felony crimes. Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department's Family Protection Unit are handling the investigation.

Samuel Avenue was temporarily closed between La Canada Avenue and Yucca Street. La Canada Avenue was also temporarily closed between Samuel Avenue and La Costa Place.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with further information was urged to contact Detective Dale McApline at (805) 385-3921.