CLEARLAKE — The Clearlake Police Department has taken 19-year-old Tyrone McElmore into custody in connection with attacks on two females late Tuesday, March 27, in Galaxy Resort and Redbud Park. McElmore faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon (large rock), assault causing bodily injury, attempted rape and attempted robbery.
The CPD reported that at approximately 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, the CPD received a report after a 17-year-old female was attacked and brutally beaten while walking through the Galaxy Resort on Old Highway 53. The suspect reportedly attacked the victim from behind and struck her on the head several times, causing major injuries. The victim was able to scream for help, which caused the suspect to flee the scene.
Shortly afterward, a 30-year-old female victim was walking through Redbud Park when she was also attacked from behind and beaten about the head, causing moderate injuries. During this attack, the suspect attempted to sexually assault the victim. This victim was also able to scream for help and the suspect again fled the scene after other citizens in the area came to the victim”s rescue.
Both victims were transported to Redbud Community Hospital and received medical attention for their injuries and have since been released according to the CPD.
At approximately 8:55 p.m. Wednesday, a resident of Galaxy Resort called and reported that a suspect matching a description of the attacker was at the location. CPD Officer Tim Hobbs responded to the location and contacted McElmore, who was found to be in possession of a black watch cap with eye holes cut in it and a small paring knife. McElmore reportedly claimed to have been present as a witness and provided Hobbs with several details of the attack.
McElmore was transported to the police station where he was interviewed by Hobbs and by CPD Detective Richard Towle.
The CPD press release states that during the interview, McElmore eventually confessed to committing the crimes himself while providing numerous details that only the victims and investigating officers were aware of. He also gave officers permission to search his residence where clothing worn in the attacks was recovered. At approximately 1:20 a.m. Thursday, McElmore was officially placed under arrest.
At this time, the case is still under investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Richard Towle at the Clearlake Police Department, 994-8251.