Bakersfield police arrest man suspected of stalking, sexual battery
PHOTOS: Bakersfield Police Department
Bakersfield police have arrested a man on suspicion of stalking, prowling, false imprisonment, and sexual battery — among other charges — following three investigations over the past two years.
The man in question is identified as 48-year-old Nassef Ragheb.
Officers were dispatched to the area of Brimhall Road and Jewetta Avenue to investigate an incident of suspected prowling on February 1. Ragheb was quickly identified as the primary suspect.
He was arrested on the 2300 block of L Street.
As it turned out, Ragheb was already on file as a suspect in related offenses from 2018 and 2019. Investigators reportedly found evidence that he had posed as an Uber or Lyft driver to lure women into his vehicle and, on at least one occasion, had attempted to forcibly kiss one of them. He’s also accused of peering into the victim’s windows and entering another victim’s residence through an unlocked door.
Police say Ragheb targeted women leaving local bars and restaurants who appeared to be intoxicated. His vehicle is described as a grey 2018 Toyota Corolla. Anyone who may have information on additional potential victims or the current investigation is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department.
