The Turlock Police Department has arrested a long-haul trucker on allegations that he sexually assaulted a female employee at a Turlock motel.

Investigators suspect that this might not be the first sexual assault allegedly committed by the suspect, Osman Mukhammadiyev, 29, of Springfield, Massachusetts.

The victim reported the rape at 10:25 p.m. Friday moments after she escaped from the suspect, according to the police department.

Officers responded to the Days Inn at 185 N. Tully Road within minutes of the victim's 911 call and detained a male standing near the office who matched the description of the suspect. This man was later identified as Mukhammadiyev.

The victim told the officers that Mukhammadiyev was staying at the motel and had called the front desk to report an equipment problem in his room. She went to address the issue and said Mukhammadiyev attacked her when her back was turned.

"While being sexually assaulted, the courageous clerk was able to fight off the suspect and escape to the office, calling 911," said Turlock Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Parmley.

The police department said the equipment issue was just a ruse to get the female clerk in the room.

Turlock Police detectives took over the investigation and interviewed Mukhammadiyev at the police station.

After the interview, Mukhammadiyev was booked at the Stanislaus County Jail on charges of committing rape by means of force, false imprisonment and kidnap to commit rape, all felonies. He is currently in custody with bail set at $670,000.

Investigators suspect there could be other victims and that they could be anywhere in the country, given his occupation.

“We are deeply concerned because the suspect in this case is a long-haul truck driver," said Turlock Police Detective Tony Argueta. "We believe there may be other victims of similar assaults by this assailant in other communities. A unique characteristic of Mukhammadiyev is that he is a smaller statured male who speaks with a heavy Russian accent. The Turlock Police Department urges anyone who has been a victim involving Mukhammadiyev, or any other victims of sexual assault or other crimes, to file a report with your local authorities.”

The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information about this investigation to call Detective Tony Argueta at (209) 668-6538. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us. 

Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program.  Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling CrimeStoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.