Local News
Martinez man taken into custody for at least six sexual assaults committed in Contra Costa County
Martinez, California – A search warrant was served on a house in Martinez on July 7, 2022, by detectives working for the Investigation Division of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.
When serving the search warrant, authorities took the 39-year-old Martinez resident, Christopher David Owens, into custody.
Owens was identified as being responsible for at least six sexual assaults in Contra Costa County, including the Pacheco area, Concord, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill.
During the course of the investigation, the detectives collaborated with other local law enforcement agencies, which determined Owens as a main suspect in the following cases: a rape in Concord in August 2017, a rape that took place in Walnut Creek in March 2017, and an attempted rape in Pleasant Hill in October 2020.
On Monday, July 11, 2022, detectives submitted their findings about the investigation to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. He was charged with rape, sexual assault, and burglary.
The official arraignment of Owens was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, but it was postponed until the next week so that he could consult with an attorney. The hearing will now take place the following week.
The cases are still being investigated at this time. Detectives think there may be more victims based on their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective A. Kotchevar at (925) 313-2623.