Suspect Arrested In Brutal Beating, Rape Of Woman At Bus Stop In San Mateo
SAN MATEO (CBS SF) -- A suspect has been arrested in the rape of a woman who was brutally beaten and raped in San Mateo last week, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.
On August 5 at 10:40 p.m. San Mateo police officers were called to a report of sexual assault at 9th Ave and South El Camino Real. They contacted a woman in her 60s who had been seriously beaten, raped, and knocked unconscious at a bus stop.
She is currently fighting for her life at a local trauma center, police said.
Following an appeal to the public for information and any security camera images, detectives sifted through hours of surveillance video footage and hundreds of crime tips. The investigation led to to a taqueria near downtown San Mateo that had clear video the suspect within minutes of the crime, police said.
The suspect was identified as Alejandro Vanegas Guevara, 27, a transient who is believed to have ties to Redwood City. Guevara was arrested Tuesday afternoon in the 100 block of Wayne Court in Redwood City and was booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
"This is a particularly brutal and savage crime and not one we often see or will tolerate in this city. Members of the department have worked tirelessly to identify this predator and bring a resolution to this case," said San Mateo Police Chief Ed Barberini. "I cannot be more proud of the dedication, commitment and quality of work our personnel displayed in working through such a disturbing and difficult case and in such a timely manner."
The San Mateo Police Officers' Association has launched a fundraiser for the victim, who is the sole provider for her two young boys and 90-year-old mother.