Sebastopol attempted rape suspect to be evaluated by doctor

A doctor will make a determination of the mental competence of a Sebastopol man accused of attempting to rape a pregnant woman, a defense attorney said Wednesday.

Odalis Solano Rosario, 27, is also being investigated as a possible suspect in an on-campus sexual assault on a Santa Rosa Junior College employee. No charges have been filed in that case

Rosario appeared before Judge Arthur Wick Wednesday to enter a plea to four felonies including attempted rape, assault and kidnapping that could bring him a life sentence if convicted. Rosario has past convictions including indecent exposure and is a registered sex offender.

Defense lawyer Karen Silver postponed the plea, saying she wanted Rosario evaluated by a doctor to make sure he understands the charges and the possible sentence.

Dr. Steve Ranish will examine Rosario and report back Tuesday.

“I have questions about whether he's alert and knows what's going on,” Silver said outside the courtroom.

The Sebastopol attack occurred Nov. 16 on Cooper Road near Highway 116. A woman said she fought off a man trying to rape her outside her home. The suspect fled when confronted by neighbors and Rosario was arrested the next day hiding under his nearby house.

Deputy District Attorney Rosanne Darling said Santa Rosa police were still investigating possible ties to the Nov. 10 junior college attack.