A Silver Spring man who allegedly strangled a woman and raped her was arrested on Monday, county police said.
Kevin Mendoza, 26, was charged with first-degree rape, attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault following an attack at an apartment building in Silver Spring on Friday.
County police officers responded to the 8500 block of 16th Street at around 11:55 p.m. for the report of a rape. Detectives determined the victim was carrying items from her vehicle to the building when she noticed a man following her, police said.
As the victim entered the building, the man grabbed her and threw her down. He strangled her and struck her in the face and head as she attempted to escape, police said.
The man then raped the victim. She was taken to a local hospital for injuries sustained during the attack. Medical personnel said the strangulation could’ve killed the woman, according to police.
Detectives learned that Mendoza was a former resident of the building and considered him a suspect. He was arrested in Silver Spring on Monday morning.
Mendoza was being held in a county detention center. Bond status and attorney information were not available in online court records as of Tuesday morning.
Charlie Wright can be reached at charlie.wright@moco360.media
