SAN CARLOS (KRON) — Two years after allegedly attempting to rape a woman, deputies arrested the man they say is responsible for the violent crime in San Carlos back in 2018.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 43-year-old Richard Silverio on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020 for four felony charges: attempted rape, assault to commit rape, kidnapping and false imprisonment.
On the morning of New Years Day in 2018, Silverio saw the victim standing on a San Francisco sidewalk waiting for her rideshare to take her to San Carlos.
Silverio stopped and offered to give her a ride and the woman got in his car. Before they arrived at her destination, the suspect drove to the back of a business on the 300 block of el Camin Real in San Carlos.
The suspect then took out a knife and told the woman he wanted sex as his payment, according to officials. The victim resisted and a struggle ensued. She was able to break free and run from the car, however Silverio caught up to her and violently attempted to rape her.
After a second struggle, the victim managed to get away again where she ran to a gas station. A cashier called 911 and deputies responded.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office deputies began a lengthy investigation. They interviewed multiple witnesses and gathered evidence. The evidence was processed and a DNA sample that was obtained matched Silverio.
“Processing DNA and anytime we have to use outside labs or resources often times can take a while,” Sheriff’s Office Spokeswoman Rosemerry Blankswade said. “But it’s important that we don’t give up on our victims no matter how long it takes for the investigation to be completed.”
Investigators arrested the suspect on Jan. 9, 2019 at 4 p.m.
Silverio was a contracted driver with a ride-share company, however he was not on duty during the crime.
Blankswade said the Sheriff’s Office encourages ridesharing services, but people should take the proper safety precautions when getting into someone else’s car.
“Verifying the car that shows up is the make, model and license plate as the one that you ordered,” she said. “And the driver is one in the same too and that will help prevent situations like this from happening.”
Detectives believe this is an isolated incident, however the investigation is ongoing. If anyone had a similar incident or any information, you are encouraged to contact Detective Jose Velasquez at (650) 363-4062.