x
Breaking News
More () »

Accused attacker tells his story to CBS News 8

A man accused of attacking a teenage girl in North County is being held on $3 million bail after pleading not guilty to charges.

VISTA (CBS 8) – A man accused of attacking a teenage girl in North County tells CBS News 8 in a jailhouse interview didn't try to rape a girl.

“I'm not a rapist, I'm not violent,” said Trevin Young.

Young, 28, is accused of targeting a teenage girl in Vista on Eucalyptus and Alestar at a transit bus stop on Wednesday.

He is being held on $3 million bail after pleading not guilty to charges on Friday in San Diego County courthouse in Vista.

"She was physically grabbed and then forced to the back of an apartment complex," a deputy said.

Investigators say the girl, aged 15 or 16, fought off her attacker and ran to a nearby complex and called for help. They say she didn't know the suspect.

"She was brave enough to fight off her attacker and go ahead and run for help," said Sgt. Dwain Washington.

CBS News 8 was there for Young's arrest but he requested his face be concealed for the jailhouse interview.

"All of that kidnapping and all that attempted in all that I didn't do any of that," said Young. I didn't grab anybody at the bus stop.”

The suspect says he spoke to the girl that night she was the one who approached him, "She said her age and I said, 'I couldn't mess with you.'"

Young's father Eugene says this is a case of mistaken identity, "There is more than one person who looks like him," said Eugene Mitchell. "That is not my son's character."  

At Wednesday night's scene, deputies swarmed the area looking for the suspect. Investigators who work the beat in the area say they recognized the man from the victim's description. Witnesses also said they saw suspect in the area earlier in the day.

Young's criminal record shows he's been charged with the three felonies since 2007, and he is currently on supervision for a 2013 felony conviction, which has now been revoked.

He says his he was convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, assaulting a police officer and felony DUI.

Young is charged with kidnapping to commit rape, assault with intent to commit rape and attempted rape.

If convicted on the current charges, Young could spend life in prison with parole.

A readiness hearing has been scheduled for October 21 and his preliminary hearing has been set for October 23.

Before You Leave, Check This Out