Westminster police officers responded to a domestic dispute call on the 13000 block of Iowa Street at about 11:30 p.m. Monday and found a 32-year-old woman bound by her hands and feet, unconscious in the bathroom of a residence.
Rodolfo "Rudy" Cisneros, 37, is suspected of dragging the woman into the shower, sexually assaulting her and beating her, causing severe facial injuries. Police said he fled over a back wall of the residence and took off in a work van before officers arrived. The van was recovered nearby.
Police said the couple's four children, who are between the ages of 4 and 13, were at home sleeping during the time of the assault. The couple's 13-year-old daughter woke up to her mother's screams and tried to stop her father, but then Cisneros allegedly assaulted the girl and locked her in a bathroom. She was able to crawl out through a window and escape to a neighbor's home. That neighbor called police.
"The 13-year-old that escaped from the house made a courageous effort in this whole ordeal," said Sgt. Cameron Knauerhaze.
The mother remained hospitalized Friday in serious condition with numerous injuries and had undergone reconstructive surgery to her face, police said.
A warrant for Cisneros' arrest was issued for the crimes of attempted murder, torture, mayhem and a number of other felony crimes. Police believe Cisneros planned the attack in advance, as the phone lines in the house had all been disabled.
Investigators consider Cisneros to be armed and dangerous. If anyone knows his whereabouts, contact the Westminster Police Department at (714) 898-3315 or your local law enforcement agency. Callers can remain anonymous and tips can also be given to Orange County Crime Stoppers by calling (855) TIP-OCCS or by logging on to Crimestoppers.org.
