A Palm Springs man not medically cleared for an arraignment Thursday is expected to appear in court Friday for allegedly breaking into his 65-year-old neighbor’s apartment, physically and sexually assaulting the woman, then fleeing in her SUV on Monday.
Demitri Giles, 45, is accused of manipulating his way into his neighbor’s apartment in the 300 block of East Stevens Road about 9 a.m. Monday by saying he had some of her mail, according to Palm Springs police Sgt. Mike Casavan said on Tuesday.
The victim is identified in official documents as Jane Doe.
However, a declaration in support of increased bail that was filed on Tuesday and released Thursday at the courthouse painted a different picture.
A declaration for increased bail argued that along with being Doe’s neighbor, Giles “forcefully entered Doe’s residence, struck Doe with a closed fist and a small hammer that caused severe swelling to her face, moved her around the apartment and tied her up with cords,” as well as sexual assault.
The maximum bail for Giles’ suspected charges is $50,000.
The declaration, which increased Giles bail to $1 million, also said Giles had scissors and zip ties upon arrest.
Palm Springs police said Giles stole a cellphone and the victim’s 2007 Honda CR-V when he left the apartment about seven hours later.
After Giles left, Doe was able to contact a neighbor, who then alerted police to the attack just before 5 p.m. She was hospitalized with serious injuries.
About three hours after Palm Springs police law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the victim’s vehicle, Riverside police and county sheriff’s deputies located it in Riverside.
Giles was found nearby and taken into custody, authorities said.
Giles was booked at the Smith Correction Facility in Banning on suspicion of assault with intent to rape in commission of a burglary, sexual penetration with force, elder abuse, burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, home invasion robbery, possessing a stolen vehicle and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, jail records show.
Giles’ bail remains set at $1 million.
Giles does not have a criminal history, Casavan said.