Sleeping woman groped by intruder

Deputies sent to investigate an attempted suicide Sunday closed their case with a sexual battery arrest.

Law enforcement was met at the door of 7189 Spruce Drive by Ralph Sears, who told them that he cut his wrists because he did not deserve to live. He then indicated that he had tried to sexually assault his neighbor, a report states.

Sears was taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries while deputies followed up on his claims. The alleged 22-year-old victim told them that she was sleeping in the nude and woke up with someone touching her around 4 a.m.

She screamed and the person jumped out of the bed and began getting dressed. She flicked on a cigarette lighter and by that light was able to identify the suspect as Sears, a report states.

Sears was released from the hospital and arrested on charges of sexual battery and armed burglary.