Police Arrest Transient In Attempted Sexual Assaults At South LA Park
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police have arrested a transient in connection with a series of attempted sexual assaults in South Los Angeles Wetlands Park, police announced Monday.
Secundino Rodriguez, 35, was taken into custody last Thursday at 54th Street and Avalon Boulevard after someone recognized him from a sketch released by police almost a month ago. He was booked on two counts of attempted rape.
"We've had thousands of tips and leads, leading us to the direction of a potential suspect," said Capt. Jorge Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Police Department. "Two out of the three victims positively identified the individual that we had detained."
Detectives said the suspect has a criminal record and has served time in prison.
The attacks began in October when a woman was walking in the park. A man approached her from behind, tackled her to the ground, striking her several times before running off, according to the LAPD.
In February, another woman was also attacked as she ran in the park. A man grabbed her, exposed himself then fled when someone approached, police said.
In March, a man approached a 17-year-old girl as she ran in the park, exposed himself and grabbed her. Again, he ran away when someone approached.
Detectives are asking other possible victims to come forward.