Charges in Sex Assault

The Ohlone Greenway between Hill and Blake streets

Based on DNA evidence, El Cerrito police arrested a suspect in the sexual assault that occurred May 18, 2025 on the Ohlone Greenway between Hill and Blake streets. The suspect was arraigned Monday (Aug. 18) on four felony charges related to the attack.

A lead to the suspect was provided when ECPD detectives received a notice on Aug. 12 from the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

The suspect, Malachi Attaway, was arrested by El Cerrito detectives at 8 a.m. the next day as he left the Contra Costa County Courthouse in Martinez after appearing in court on a separate felony charge of second-degree robbery. Attaway was brought to the El Cerrito police department for booking and then taken to county jail.

Attaway had been released on his own recognizance at the time El Cerrito detectives arrested him on Aug. 13.

Suspect is in Custody

Attaway had allegedly committed a robbery on June 6, 2025 – after the date of the sexual assault. He was released on his own recognizance on June 24 after a bail study report in the robbery case, according to online court records.

Attaway, an 18-year-old Richmond man, has been held in county jail since his arrest on the sexual assault-related charges.

His bail was set at $4 million as of Aug. 18, according to Ted Asregadoo, public information officer to the Contra Costa District Attorney.

Felony Charges

Attaway was arraigned Aug. 18 in Contra Costa Superior Court on four felony charges: forcible rape, sodomy by use of force, forcible oral copulation, and sexual penetration by foreign object. Each charge includes the special allegation that the suspect kidnapped the victim in connection with the crime. If convicted, Attaway could receive a sentence of 15 years to life in prison on each charge.

Deputy District Attorney Sydney Mastey has been assigned to the case.

At the time of the assault in May, the suspect was described as a black male, early 20s, skinny, and close to 6-feet tall. He was wearing a black beanie, black hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and a gold chain.

The victim first encountered the suspect at the Del Norte BART station outside the fare gates. She was subsequently kidnapped and sexually assaulted on the greenway between midnight and 1:30 a.m. on May 18, El Cerrito police said.