The following is a press release issued by the Willits Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On April 11th, 2023 at about 6:18 am, Willits Police Department (WPD) Officers were detailed to 209 Bonnie Lane for a report of a woman screaming. Upon their arrival, the Officers contacted one male subject outside the residence who claimed he had heard the screaming. The male, also the homeowner, provided the Officers a key into the residence and consented to their entry into the residence.
The Officers announced their presence and demanded entry. The suspect, Owen Kenny (35, Willits), responded by cursing at the Officers, and refused to open the door. While screaming at the Officers from the other side of the door, Kenny would immediately reengage the door locks the Officers had unlocked with the key. After the Officers made several attempts to open the door, a different subject opened the door for the Officers.
The Officers conducted a protective sweep of the residence and located several subjects inside. Kenny, highly intoxicated, was detained and the female victim was located hiding under a trailer in the garage.
While speaking to the female victim, the Officers learned that Kenny had followed her into the bathroom and prevented her from shutting the door. Kenny had blocked the doorway but she was able to escape past him. As she exited the bathroom, Kenny grabbed the victim by the arm and pulled her into a bedroom where he sexually assaulted her. The victim was able to escape and ultimately hid from Kenny.
Kenny was transported and booked into the county jail for violation of:
207(a) PC – Kidnapping (Felony)
236 PC – False Imprisonment (Felony)
243.4(e)(1) PC – Sexual Battery
148(a)(1) PC – Resisting/Obstructing/Delaying
