Authorities have apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for multiple violent and sexual assaults in East Los Angeles and downtown LA. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Sergio Andrew Garcia, may be linked to eight or more assaults in the Los Angeles area, leaving city and county investigators deeply concerned about the severity and frequency of the attacks.
Sheriff Robert Luna addressed the media at a press conference, condemning the suspect’s actions and praising the collaborative efforts that led to his arrest. “He was a horrible deviant,” Sheriff Luna stated, expressing relief that Garcia was now off the streets.
According to LAPD Chief Michel Moore, there could be additional unreported attacks, urging potential victims and witnesses to come forward and help identify any further incidents related to Garcia. “We’ve likely only identified a small sampling of his activities,” Chief Moore said.
The tweet below verifies the news:
#BREAKING Police announce arrest of suspect in series of brutal sexual assaults in East LA, downtown https://t.co/ZFsjJRKdTK
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) July 26, 2023
In July, at least four of the reported assaults occurred in downtown and East LA, some within mere minutes of each other. The violent nature of the attacks has left the community in shock and fear.
Authorities worked closely with federal marshals to track Garcia down in Tijuana, Mexico, and with assistance from the Mexican government, he was arrested on Tuesday. Garcia has since been extradited to Los Angeles and is currently being held on $4 million bail.
One of the victims, 67-year-old Rosalina Martinez, was brutally attacked while cleaning her front yard on the morning of July 15. She suffered a broken nose, bruises, and scrapes to her face and knees after being dragged to the ground and repeatedly punched. Video footage captured by vigilant neighbors helped investigators identify the suspect.
Other attacks allegedly linked to Garcia include:
- July 10: A 31-year-old woman was followed and attacked near the LA Live complex. She managed to escape during the attempted sexual assault.
- July 11: A 22-year-old woman was sexually assaulted after being slapped on the back by the suspect near Chick Hearn Court.
- July 15: Two more attacks were reported after the assault on Rosalina Martinez. A 51-year-old woman was attacked and robbed in the South Alvarado area, losing consciousness and suffering bruises and abrasions. Minutes later, the same suspect sexually assaulted a 58-year-old woman in the South Burlington area.
The arrest of Sergio Andrew Garcia brings hope for justice and safety to the victims and the community at large. As the investigation continues, authorities remain dedicated to uncovering the full extent of Garcia’s alleged crimes and holding him accountable for his actions.
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