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Stockton woman believes she was nearly a Golden State Killer victim

The night the rapist struck Carla Hose's Stockton neighborhood on Meadow Drive, she was nearly a victim herself.

The East Area Rapist is attributed to two attacks in Stockton and two more in Modesto.

The night the rapist struck Carla Hose’s Stockton neighborhood on Meadow Drive, she was nearly a victim herself.

“This doorway was locked of course and I thought I heard someone try it," said Hose, as she pointed out the sliding glass door in her backyard.

It was 1978 and Carla was alone asleep after midnight. Her husband was away and heard the news of the rape.

“He called me because he heard what had happened. He said get up and make sure the house is secure," Hose said.

It was later that morning after police conducted interviews with her and her neighbors when she learned the rapist had struck right across the street about three doors down.

She believes the East Area Rapist targeted her house that night.

“Umm, I believe it was very possible,” she said.

Those who were old enough to remember that time will never forget the fear that gripped Stockton.

And, so can Richard Buettner. He still lives in the same home he purchased in 1970.

He has never forgotten what it was like.

“It was pretty hectic because a lot of it was done in this neighborhood and you had to be on your toes," said Buettner, now 78.

He lives just a few blocks away from the other Stockton attack on Portage Circle North.

It was so tense he remembers how one day he waiting outside for his wife to come home when all of sudden the police showed up out of nowhere.

“Plain clothes men in plain cars,” he said. “They wanted to know what I was doing out here like this.”

As for Hose, looking back, she believes she was lucky.

“Yes, yes,” she said. “I definitely do.

Follow the conversation with Kurt Rivera on Facebook.

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