Man convicted of sexually assaulting sleeping women and hikers in Thousand Oaks area – NBC Los Angeles

A Woodland Hills man was convicted Thursday of attacking several sleeping women and hikers in Thousand Oaks and Oak Park.

Edgar Ruelas, 42, was found guilty of five counts after attacking five women between June 2017 and March 2020. Three of the victims were hiking when Ruelas attacked them, wearing black, gloves and a a ski mask.

The other two victims were sleeping when Ruelas entered their home through unlocked doors.

Detectives with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office East County Sexual Assault Unit were able to arrest Ruelas after identifying his vehicle during a getaway attempt after an attack on his fifth victim in March 2020.

Ruela's DNA was tested and linked to evidence obtained in the other attacks.

Ruelas was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison plus an additional 21 years in state prison by Ventura County Prosecutor Erik Nasarenko.

“Thanks to the five courageous women who faced Ruelas in court, we hope he will never be free to attack again,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Brent Nibecker. “While we cannot replace the sense of security he felt, I hope this life sentence provides the justice they so richly deserve.” »