Santa Cruz Police responded to a report of an attack at a private residence on Mountain View Avenue on Sunday morning, at approximately 11:44 a.m.
When they arrived at the residence, they learned that the victim, a 32-year-old woman who was in town to run the Wharf to Wharf, had been taking a nap on the couch when she awoke to the man ransacking the house.
The woman, who was home alone, confronted the intruder, and at this point he attempted to strangle and sexually assault her, according to Santa Cruz Police.
The woman had no weapons and fought viciously for her life, according to Steve Clark, Deputy Chief of the SCPD. She was successful in fighting off the suspect twice during the attack, which Clark said was very violent.
Eventually, the victim broke free, running to a neighbor's home to call the police.
Officers matched the description of the attacker to a man who lived in the neighborhood: Richard Andrew Glanzman, Sr., 55.
Officers searched the suspect's home, and found live ammunition was spilled on the floor of a bedroom, and the suspect barricading himself in the room.
After securing the perimeter, officers began attempted to contact Mr. Glanzman, verbally and even telephoning the house. Glanzman failed to respond. Meanwhile, approximately 20 nearby homes were evacuated.
The SCPD's Emergency Services Unit (ESU) was called to organize a hostage negotiation team, and simultaneously obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect.
The arrest warrant charged him with Attempted Sexual Assault, Attemped Homicide, Burglary, and False Imprisonment with a bail amount of $1,000,000.
After the arrest warrant was obtained, the ESU made entered the home around 6:30 p.m., finding Glanzman deceased in an upstairs bedroom. He sustained a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The suspect shot himself with a semi-automatic weapon, according to Deputy Chief Steve Clark.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the scene of the attack as well as the scene of the suicide. At this time it is not yet known if the suspect stole anything from the house where he attacked the victim. It is also unknown what time the suspect may have shot himself.
"Nobody heard a gun shot. But depending how it was done, it's entirely possible that it could have been muffled," said Deputy Chief Clark.
The victim was treated for her injuries at Dominican Hospital and is in recovery.
"I can't say enough about her bravery," said Deputy Chief Clark. "She fought for her life, and won. It was a very violent attack."
SCPD is also looking into the entire history of the suspect.
"We only had contact with him once, and it was for a non-criminal issue," said Deputy Chief Clark. ..Source.. by Maria Grusauskas
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