Van Nuys Police Say Suspected Molester's Tattoos Led To His Capture
VAN NUYS (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Police Department has nabbed a 25-year-old man suspected of molesting several young girls around Van Nuys.
Ary Alvarenga was arrested at his home in the 7000 block of Lennox Avenue in Van Nuys, according to the LAPD.
The alleged assaults happened last week in public places, including inside a retail store, and within a mile of the suspect's home.
Detectives tell CBS2/KCAL9's Peter Daut that Alvarenga acted so brazenly that he sexually assaulted the girls with their parents nearby. In some cases, those parents didn't know what happened until after he fled the scene.
Alvarenga's distinctive tattoos helped investigators track him down. A 9-year-old witness gave police a detailed description of the suspect, mentioning a star tattoo on his right cheek and a reddish one of a lipstick kiss on his neck.
He allegedly molested three girls over the course of a week, police said. The victims were all under 14 years old.
In one case, police say Alvarenga kidnapped one of the girls but she was able to escape.
"It's alarming. He's obviously a danger to the community," LAPD Det. Maria Mendoza said. "I think it was just the opportunity was present where he was at, and he took advantage."
At the park across the street from Alvarenga's home parents were stunned to learn of his arrest.
"My heart goes out to the parents because that is so heartbreaking," mother Olivia Nguki said.
Mia Ramirez has an 8-year-old daughter and says the crimes are a reminder that parents need to always keep a close eye on their kids: "Be aware of your surroundings, be aware of who your children are playing with, be aware of everything."
Like many in the community, Ramirez says she's relieved that Alvarenga is behind bars.
His bail has been set at $3.2 million.
Police believe there may be more victims and ask anyone with information to contact them.