DNA Sample Links Multiple Sex Offender in Los Angeles to a Months-Old Sexual Assault Case

According to a recently published Los Angeles Police Department web site press release, police officers from the LAPD have arrested a 32-year-old man after DNA results linked him to a rape that occurred back in June of this year.

The arrest happened recently on October 16, 2007 at around 8:30 in the mid morning. Fernando Lopez Garcia, the 32-year-old suspect, was taken into police custody at a local grocery store that he worked at as a meat butcher. The police listed the location of the store as being on the 2900 block of Beverly Glenn Boulevard.

Police say that it wasn't just a DNA sample that helped catch Garcia, but rather a serious of events.

The first event was the sexual assault, which took place on June 10th. A woman was waiting near an apartment elevator in a building on the 7400 block of Sepulveda Boulevard when suddenly Garcia grabbed her from behind and raped her.

The next event happened back on July 18th. Garcia was stopped and arrested by police officers for driving without a license. During the arrest, officers noticed that Garcia's face looked similar to that of a composite sketch that was released from the rape that occurred back in June. The officers told the detectives, but they were unable to postively identify him as being the suspect through a line up. However, they were able to get a DNA sample from Garcia.

When Garcia was questioned about the June 10th sexual assault, he denied involvement in it. He was released on grounds that police could not properly identify him. He also promised to appear in court for the driving offense.

The third and final event happened nearly two months later on September 17th at around 4:00 in the early morning. A distressed woman flagged down police officers, stating that Garcia exposed himself to her. As soon as police arrived, Garcia fled on his mountain bike. Fortunately, he was taken into police custody.

Once again, Garcia was questioned about his involvement in the sexual assault case. He continued to state that he was innocent, although he pleaded guilty to indecent exposure, in which he spent two days in jail.

Finally, on October 15th, the LAPD's Scientific Investigation Division notified detectives that a DNA sample taken from Garcia back on July 18th matched DNA evidence recovered from the rape victim of the June 10th. This finally put Garcia behind bars for this horrible crime.

Police believe that there are additional victims of Garcia out there and are asking anyone with information to call Van Nuys Sexual Assault Detective John Eum at 818-374-0090. After hours, during non-business hours, and on weekends, feel free to call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

Source:

Los Angeles Police Department. "DNA Match Link to Sexual Assault Arrest." http://www.lapdonline.org/newsroom/news_view/36625